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The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is trying to switch gears ahead of next year’s big tournaments, but the West Indies aren’t quite ready to play along, not just yet, anyway.

As things stand, Pakistan are scheduled to play a six-match white-ball series in the Caribbean, three T20Is in Florida, followed by three ODIs in Trinidad.

However, PCB has formally proposed changing the ODI leg into T20Is to better prepare for the ACC Asia Cup 2025 and the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.

Why are West Indies Saying No?

According to sources close to the matter, Cricket West Indies (CWI) isn’t on board with scrapping the ODIs. And there’s a pretty good reason for that.

After missing out on a place at the ICC ODI World Cup 2023, the West Indies are focused on rebuilding their 50-over unit. Dropping ODIs now, just as they’re trying to steady the ship, doesn’t make much sense to them.

CWI CEO Chris Dehring confirmed the ongoing discussions but didn’t leave much room for doubt when he said, “The schedule remains as it is, and we continue to engage with the PCB on the matter.”

Decision Time in Singapore

The final verdict is expected at the ICC Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Singapore. That’s when the cricket boards of Pakistan and the West Indies will have a chance to sit down, lay all the cards on the table, and (hopefully) find common ground.

Until then, it’s a bit of a waiting game. Interestingly, CWI has already started ticket sales for both the T20Is and ODIs, suggesting they’re not expecting a major change to the schedule.

What’s On the Calendar?

Here’s how the West Indies-Pakistan white-ball series currently looks:

T20Is in Florida

  • 1st T20I: July 31
  • 2nd T20I: August 2
  • 3rd T20I: August 3

ODIs in Trinidad

  • 1st ODI: August 8
  • 2nd ODI: August 10
  • 3rd ODI: August 12

A Clash of Priorities?

It’s clear both boards have valid points. Pakistan want more T20I cricket under their belt with two major T20 tournaments looming large.

Meanwhile, the West Indies, still licking their wounds from a forgettable ODI chapter, want to build something sustainable in the longer white-ball format.

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