Reports: PCB likely to shift the venue for ODI series against West Indies

The venue for the ODI series between Pakistan and West Indies is expected to be changed due to an expected march from the local political party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) in Islamabad. It may be noted that the visitors West Indies will fly to Pakistan on June 5 and a three-match ODI series will take place between June 8 and June 12.

While Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium is scheduled to host the series, the Imran Khan-led PTI has announced to call a march against the current Pakistan government after May 20. As per reports, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has already begun holding meetings and talks are going on to change the venue.

The series was shifted from December to June due to Covid-19

It may be noted that the Karachi Cricket Stadium is being looked at as an alternative option. However, the board officials have not made any official statements. As a result, the Rawalpindi Stadium is still the host as per the announced schedule. The series was originally scheduled to to be played in December 2021. However, it was shifted to June after a few Covid-19 cases were detected in the visitors’ camp during the T20I series in Karachi.

The home side completely outplayed West Indies during the T20I series. The Men in Green won all the three contests against the Men in Maroon and completed a whitewash. Meanwhile, several Pakistani players including Mohammad Rizwan, Shaheen Afridi, and Hasan Ali are participating in the 2022 County Championship in England.

On the other hand, West Indies players Evin Lewis, Jason Holder, Nicholas Pooran, Andre Russell, Obed McCoy, and Shimron Hetmyer are currently participating in the ongoing 15th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). To note, West Indies veteran player Kieron Pollard had recently announced his retirement from the international cricket and the onus will be on Pooran to handle the leadership of Men in Maroon. The left-handed batter is currently playing for the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and has played some decent knocks.