ISLAMABAD: The 26-member squad of West Indies arrived in Pakistan on Monday to play a three-match one-day international series in Multan. The city will be hosting an international cricket series after more than 14 years.

The touring side was flown to Multan in a special charter flight. The tour is part of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League ODI series, which will begin on June 8 in Multan. Earlier, the series was shifted from Rawalpindi to Multan in view of the political uncertainty in the capital city.

Both teams will have the opportunity to earn points to secure one of the top seven places, excluding hosts India, for the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup. Host countries automatically move on from the qualifying rounds.

“The MCS, boasting a capacity of 25,000, has been host to some memorable contests since it first staged an international match in 2001 when Pakistan defeated Bangladesh by an innings and 264 run in a Test that began on 29 August,” according to the Pakistan Cricket Board.

Pakistan’s skipper Babar Azam, who is also the world’s best limited over batter, on June 1 said that team combination was necessary for the team’s victory and chances to play would be given to players who are consistent.

Series schedule

• 8 June – 1st ODI, Multan Cricket Stadium
• 10 June – 2nd ODI, Multan Cricket Stadium
• 12 June – 3rd ODI, Multan Cricket Stadium

Pakistan squad:

Babar Azam (captain), Shadab Khan (vice-captain), Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imam-ul-Haq, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wicketkeeper/batter), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper/batter), Mohammad Wasim Junior, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shahnawaz Dahani and Zahid Mahmood.

West Indies Squad

Nicholas Pooran (captain), Shai Hope (vice-captain), Nkrumah Bonner, Shamarh Brooks, Keacy Carty, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Shermon Lewis, Kyle Mayers, Anderson Phillip, Rovman Powell, Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd, Hayden Walsh Jr.