TRINIDAD: A new chapter in Test cricket history is set to begin as Pakistan and the West Indies unveiled the trophy for the upcoming two-match series at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, where the opening Test will mark the venue’s debut as a Test cricket ground.
Pakistan captain Babar Azam and West Indies skipper Roston Chase jointly unveiled the trophy during a ceremony and posed for photographs ahead of the highly anticipated contest. The two-match Test series is part of the 2025–2027 ICC World Test Championship cycle, with both teams eyeing crucial points to strengthen their positions in the championship standings.
The first Test match between the two teams will start from July 25, the national cricket team management has started initial consultations on the playing XI for the first Test in the West Indies tour. According to sources, the national team management has prepared a plan to take the field with 7 specialist batsmen, batters Azan Owais, Imam-ul-Haq, Shan Masood, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan will be part of the playing XI.
Salman Ali Agha will also be part of the playing XI and will play the role of the fifth bowler, Amir Jamal and Mohammad Abbas will also be part of the playing XI. There is a strong possibility of left-arm specialist spinner Ali Usman making his Test debut, while one of the fast bowlers, Khurram Shahzad and Mohammad Ali, could be part of the playing XI.
According to sources, the national team management has instructed the bowlers to focus on their batting as well. The fitness of the players will also be reviewed before finalizing the playing XI. The first Test will begin on July 25 at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad, marking a historic milestone for the venue, which has previously hosted international limited-overs matches and regional first-class fixtures but never a Test match.
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