The Pakistan Cricket Board is thinking about postponing its upcoming home series against the West Indies, which had been originally scheduled for February and March 2024, in a bid to avoid a timetable clash.
In order to avoid any overlap, the board also reached out to the Emirates Cricket Board and suggested that they change the dates of their ILT20 league by ten days.
According to the Future Tours Programme (FTP) of the International Cricket Council, Pakistan is expected to host West Indies for two Test games and three Twenty-20 internationals in early 2024. The Pakistan Super League has been held over this time frame every year since 2016.
However, The PCB can sacrifice the home series to the league, it was determined at a recent PSL governing board meeting. With the goal to guarantee a clean window for the upcoming PSL edition, the PCB has started discussions with a number of stakeholders.
PCB is planning to host West Indies Series after the 2024 Ramadan
The West Indies series could be played after Ramadan, which comes after the second week of April, according to a possible solution the PCB is exploring. The IPL, which is set to take place in April–May, could be in conflict with this choice, which offers its own set of problems. Numerous West Indies players might be ruled out of the bilateral series in Pakistan in a scenario like this.
However, since the players follow fasting, arranging Test matches during the specified month presents major difficulties. Notably, the PCB organized a limited-overs series with New Zealand earlier this year with great success. T20Is took place at night, and the ODIs were played following Ramadan.
The PSL, which has six teams right now, lasts for 34 days. However, because of Ramzan’s limitations, the period is only open from February 12 to March 10. For their ILT20 league, which is set to take place between January 13 to February 12, 2024, the PCB requested from the UAE board for a ten-day exemption.
Additionally, it’s likely that the PCB will allow its players to play under contracts with the ILT20, overturning a decision made during the first edition of the tournament.
The PCB is still working to find a solution that will allow for both the West Indies series and the PSL, assuring that both cricket tournaments run seamlessly and without any major issues. As discussions grow, more announcements and updates will be coming.
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