West Indies women’s cricket team arrived here on Wednesday to play three Twenty20 International matches against their Pakistan counterparts. The 13-member West Indies women’s squad is led by Merissa Aguilleira with a support staff comprising eight members and it is the first visit to Pakistan by a non-Asian women’s team in 15 years. The series is seen as another important step towards the resumption of international cricket in the country. The squad members were received by officials of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) women’s wing and was accorded special VVIP security protocol, with over 500 policemen escorting the team from the airport to the hotel. Traffic on the roads en route to the team hotel was held up for brief period to create an empty pocket and ensure a smooth drive, as the team travelled on the bullet-proof buses owned by the PCB.
Speaking to media, West Indies captain Aguilleira said: “We are happy to be here in Pakistan, where we received a warm welcome. The people of Pakistan are very passionate about cricket and we do wish to win the series in spite of the advantage that Pakistan have due to playing in home conditions.” She added: “I know this series will be tough because the Pakistan cricket team plays well and also looks strong on paper.” She said she was pleased that they were able bring back cricket to Pakistan. “Because, if we find ourselves in this position, I believe one of the other teams will step up and help us.” She also urged other teams to tour Pakistan in the future due to the better security situation in the country. “Now, I think other teams should consider touring Pakistan in near future. It was quite difficult for players to tour Pakistan. However, we decided to come.”
Pakistan’s captain Bisma Maroof said that her team were excited to be playing for the home team. “At least six players will be debuting in these matches.” “West Indies is a tough team to beat,” she added. While speaking about the morale of the team, Maroof said: “The morale of the team is high and we are looking forward for the series especially because we are playing on our home ground. It is like a dream come true.” Later Maroof and her West Indian counterpart Agulliera visited the Sea View Beach. The two took a camel ride with the T20I series trophy.
Following these games the two sides will go head to head in three one day internationals (ODIs) in Dubai on Feb 7, 9 and 11. The first ODI will be played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, while the second and third ODIs will be played at the ICC Academy.
Series schedule:
January 31 – 1st T20I, Southend Club, Karachi
February 1 – 2nd T20I, Southend Club, Karachi
February 3 – 3rd T20I, Southend Club, Karachi
February 7 – 1st ODI, Dubai International Cricket Stadium (ICC Women’s Championship)
February 9 – 2nd ODI, ICC Academy, Dubai (ICC Women’s Championship)
February 11 – 3rd ODI, ICC Academy, Dubai (ICC Women’s Championship).
Published in Daily Times, January 31st 2019.