Multan to host Pakistan-West Indies ODI series in June

In the recent development, the base for the three-match ODI series between Pakistan and West Indies has been shifted from Rawalpindi to Multan. This move comes after political unrest, which has gripped the country after the removal of Imran Khan as the Prime Minister of Pakistan. 

On Thursday, Khan arrived in Islamabad (around 20 km from Rawalpindi) and gave a six-day ultimatum to the ruling party, PML-N, to dissolve the assemblies and conduct an election. The clashes between party workers and cops broke out, and the city turned into a battleground. The former PM has warned the government that he will return to the city if his demands are not met.  

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is said to have been advised by the government to shift the series venue. The board is expected to announce the same in a formal manner after the culmination of the meeting. 

The government of Punjab has given assurance of the security plans to the management of both the teams. 

As per PCB, the West Indies team is set to arrive in Pakistan on June 5 for the matches to be played on June 8, 10, and 12. 

These matches were postponed last year due to the multiple covid cases in the Caribbean camp, and only the T20I series was conducted. 

The broadcasting crew has also been informed of the same and is directed to report to Multan Cricket Stadium by June 4. 

These matches will form a part of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League, and both teams will look to perform well to have a strong claim on the top eight spots on the points table to qualify for the 2023 ODI World Cup. 

Earlier, it was reported that both the teams will contest in a 3-match T20I series in early 2023.