West Indies Test Tour of Pakistan 2025: Preview, Players to Watch, and Series Predictions

The West Indies Test Tour of Pakistan 2025 kicks off on January 17 in Multan, featuring two matches that mark the conclusion of the current ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. With both teams languishing at the bottom of the WTC standings, this series won’t alter the final lineup, as South Africa and Australia are set to clash in the WTC finals. However, the series presents an opportunity for both sides to build momentum for the next cycle and salvage pride.

Pakistan, buoyed by a recent 2-1 home victory over England on spin-dominated tracks, will be looking to replicate that success. Meanwhile, the West Indies face a challenging task in conditions unfamiliar to many of their players. Let’s dive into the schedule, key players, and what to expect from this intriguing series.

Dates, Venues, and Squads

The two-match series will be played exclusively in Multan. Matches will commence at 9:30 AM local time (4:30 AM GMT).

Schedule:

• 1st Test: January 17-21
• 2nd Test: January 25-29

Pakistan Squad:

Shan Masood (c), Rohail Nazir, Muhammad Hurraira, Kashif Ali, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Agha, Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, Khurram Shahzad, Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Ali, Imam-ul-Haq.

West Indies Squad:

Kraigg Brathwaite (c), Jomel Warrican, Tevin Imlach, Mikyle Louis, Keacy Carty, Kavem Hodge, Alick Athanaze, Justin Greaves, Joshua Da Silva (wk), Kevin Sinclair, Anderson Phillip, Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales, Gudakesh Motie, Amir Jangoo.

WTC Standings: A Forgotten Dream for Both the Teams

The West Indies sit at the bottom of the WTC table with 24.24% points, while Pakistan aren’t far ahead, ranked eighth with 24.31%. Both teams are out of contention for the WTC final, but this series offers a chance to finish the cycle on a positive note.

Spin-Friendly Tracks: A Stern Test

Pakistan’s recent series against England revealed Multan’s spin-friendly nature. Spinners took a total of 73 wickets in that series, and it will be pivotal again. Similarly, Gudakesh Motie, the promising West Indian spinner, could thrive under these conditions. The contest is expected to hinge on how well batters counter spin and how effectively bowlers utilize the turning tracks.

Head-to-Head Record

Pakistan and West Indies have faced off 54 times in Test cricket, with Pakistan holding a slender 21-18 lead, while 15 matches ended in draws. However, when it comes to Tests in Pakistan, the home side dominates with nine wins compared to the visitors’ four.

The last Test series between these teams, held in the Caribbean in 2021, ended 1-1. The first Test was a thriller, with the West Indies securing a one-wicket victory, but Pakistan bounced back to win the second match comfortably.

Players to Watch

1. Babar Azam (Pakistan):
   Once Pakistan’s backbone in Tests, Babar Azam has struggled for form, with his last century coming over two years ago. However, his three fifties in the recent series against South Africa suggest he’s regaining confidence. Will this series see his much-awaited return to triple figures?
2. Gudakesh Motie (West Indies):
   Motie’s ability to extract turn and bounce makes him a key asset in spin-friendly conditions. This series could solidify his reputation as a rising star in Test cricket.
3. Sajid Khan (Pakistan):
   Fresh from a stellar performance against England, Sajid Khan will look to exploit Multan’s conditions once again. His match-winning skills make him a vital cog in Pakistan’s bowling attack, as he took 19 wickets in the series against England.

Prediction: 2-0 to Pakistan

Given their superior record at home and the spin-favorable conditions, Pakistan is the clear favorite to clinch the series 2-0. Babar Azam’s long-awaited Test century seems imminent, while Sajid Khan is likely to continue his wicket-taking spree. The West Indies, though brimming with potential, may find the conditions daunting and struggle to match Pakistan’s depth and experience.

The West Indies Test Tour of Pakistan 2025 promises an intriguing blend of talent and tactics. With both teams eager to end the WTC cycle on a high, the series will be a spectacle of resilience and rivalry in the heart of Multan.