WICB confirms ODIs against Pakistan

ST JOHN'S, Antigua (CMC):

West Indies' Future Tours Programme continues to take shape. The West Indies Cricket Board yesterday announced that the team will play three one-day internationals against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi next month, but no Tests.

The WICB also confirmed that they are considering an invitation from the England & Wales Cricket Board to tour England next summer.

Donald Peters, chief executive officer of the WICB, disclosed that the regional governing body and the West Indies Players' Association have agreed on terms and conditions for the ODI series in Abu Dhabi with matches on November 12, 14 and 16.

Peters also noted that the possibility of playing two Tests against the Pakistanis in Abu Dhabi was explored.

"There was a proposal to play two Tests against Pakistan, also in Abu Dhabi, but logistically, this proved too difficult for us, so we had to decline that request," he said.

After leaving Abu Dhabi, West Indies travel to New Zealand for a tour which will include two Tests, two Twenty20 Internationals, and five One-Day Internationals from December 5 to January 13.

"The team will have a camp in New Zealand as part of the build-up for what will be a very important tour," Peters said. "This will allow them to get fully acclimatised to the conditions."

As a result of this, it appears the players look set to miss the regional limited-overs championship reported to be staged in Guyana from November 13 to 23. But the players can look forward to a reciprocal tour of England in the first half of next year, after tackling them in the Caribbean between January and March.

Peters also revealed that the ECB has proposed two Tests and three ODIs, starting in May next year, as a replacement for Sri Lanka.

"We are examining all possibilities," he said. "At this stage, it presents some challenges because West Indies will be a hosting a series, including Tests and ODIs against Bangladesh in early May next year."