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LAHORE: Pakistan will take on the West Indies in the first match of the two-Test series, starting on Saturday, 25 July at the Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad. The second Test will be played from 2 to 6 August at Queen’s Park Oval.
Both Test matches are part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27. The upcoming Test series will be Pakistan’s third series in the current cycle and their second away series.
As part of their preparations for the series, the 16-member Pakistan squad also participated in a four-day match in Port of Spain. The batters took full advantage of the tour match, with opening batter Azan Awais and captain Babar scoring centuries in the first innings. Shan Masood and Abdullah Fazal struck half-centuries. In the second innings, Awais Zafar and Salman Ali Agha scored half-centuries.
In the bowling department, Pakistan’s Mohammad Ali took five wickets in the first innings against the West Indies Select XI.
Pakistan have won three of the past five Test matches between the two sides, while the West Indies have won two. Overall, the two teams have faced each other in 56 Test matches. Pakistan have won 22 matches, while the West Indies have won 19, with the remaining 15 matches ending in draws.
Among the 15-member squad, left-arm spinner Ali Usman, right-handed batter Muhammad Awais Zafar, right-arm fast bowler Ubaid Shah and wicketkeeper-batter Muhammad Ghazi Ghori are the uncapped players.
Babar Azam talking exclusively to PCB Digital on the eve of the Test match said:
“We are looking forward to the start of the Test series. Playing in the West Indies is always challenging because the conditions can be different and the home side is very competitive, especially in their own backyard. We have prepared well and the players are confident going into the first Test.
“The four-day match was important for us as it allowed the players to spend valuable time in the middle and adjust to the conditions. It was encouraging to see the batters scoring runs and the bowlers getting wickets. However, Test cricket presents a different challenge and we know we will have to remain disciplined throughout all five days.
“We have a good combination of experienced players and talented youngsters in the squad. The uncapped players have performed consistently at the domestic level and have earned this opportunity. They have brought a lot of energy to the group and the senior players are helping them settle into the team environment.”
15-member squad (in alphabetical order) for West Indies series:
Babar Azam (captain), Aamir Jamal, Ali Usman, Azan Awais, Imam ul Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Rizwan (wicket-keeper), Mohammad Awais Zafar, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wicket-keeper), Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Shan Masood and Ubaid Shah
Schedule for West Indies series:
25-29 July – First Test, Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Tarouba
2-6 August – Second Test, Queen’s Park Oval, Port of Spain, Port of Spain
