The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has proposed converting its upcoming three-match ODI series into T20 Internationals during the tour of the West Indies later this summer, in a bid to strengthen preparations for the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
Proposal aligns with T20 focus before Asia Cup and World Cup
The proposed change is intended to help both teams optimize their T20 squads ahead of two major white-ball events: the 2025 ACC Men’s Asia Cup and the 2026 T20 World Cup. Both competitions will be played in the T20 format, prompting the PCB to seek more game time in the shorter format.
Series could expand to five or six T20Is
According to sources, the PCB’s proposal could expand the original three-match T20I series to as many as five or six matches. If approved, the first T20I is set for July 31, followed by matches on August 2 and August 3. The remaining fixtures are still under negotiation.
An official close to the discussions confirmed that a final decision is expected soon, as the PCB and Cricket West Indies (CWI) continue to evaluate the scheduling changes.
Fate of ODI series depends on CWI’s response
As things stand, the three-match ODI series is scheduled for August 8, 10, and 12 at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad. If the ODIs proceed as planned, the PCB will announce a separate squad for the 50-over format.
However, if CWI accepts the proposed shift to T20Is, the ODI series will be scrapped and a consolidated T20 squad will cover both the West Indies and Bangladesh tours.
Pakistan to face Bangladesh in T20Is before West Indies
Before traveling to the Caribbean, Pakistan is scheduled to play a three-match T20I series against Bangladesh in Dhaka:
- 1st T20I: July 20
- 2nd T20I: July 22
- 3rd T20I: July 24
All matches will be held at the Shere-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium and begin at 5:00 PM (PST). The last time the two teams met in May, Pakistan completed a 3-0 series sweep at home.
Strategic move toward T20 prioritization
The PCB’s latest scheduling proposal underscores a global cricket trend: prioritizing the T20 format in preparation for major ICC events. Should the changes be approved, Pakistan will gain valuable T20 match experience heading into a pivotal 12-month window.
