ISLAMABAD — The Pakistan Cricket Board announced on Tuesday that Multan will be the venue for back-to-back test matches against the West Indies next month.

As stadiums in Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Karachi are undergoing upgrades in preparation for February’s Champions Trophy, Multan has emerged as the sole location available to host this two-test series.

England also played consecutive tests in Multan last October due to similar renovation work in Karachi and Lahore.

The West Indies team is scheduled to arrive on January 6 and will participate in a three-day warm-up match in Rawalpindi against Pakistan Shaheens. The first test match will take place from January 17 to 21, followed by the second test starting on January 25.

This marks the West Indies’ first test series in Pakistan in over 18 years. Although both teams faced each other in a test series held in the United Arab Emirates back in 2016, the UAE served as a home venue for Pakistan at that time.

Among the squad named for the series, uncapped batter Amir Jangoo has been included after his impressive century on his ODI debut against Bangladesh earlier this month.

Additionally, left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie returns to the team after missing the previous two tests against Bangladesh due to commitments in the newly created Global Super League.

Other spin options in the lineup include Kevin Sinclair and Jomel Warrican. However, the squad will be without fast bowler Shamar Joseph, who is suffering from shin splints, and Alzarri Joseph, who is occupied with his duties in the International League T20 in the UAE.

Head coach Andre Coley expressed his confidence in the squad, emphasizing, “Motie rejoins the squad to bolster the spin attack, while Jangoo’s selection is based on his consistent performance across formats in regional cricket and his proven ability against spin bowling.”

This two-match series is part of the World Test Championship, with Pakistan currently placed seventh and West Indies at the bottom in ninth position.

West Indies squad includes: Kraigg Brathwaite (captain), Joshua Da Silva, Alick Athanaze, Keacy Carty, Justin Greaves, Kavem Hodge, Tevin Imlach, Amir Jangoo, Mikyle Louis, Gudakesh Motie, Anderson Phillip, Kemar Roach, Kevin Sinclair, Jayden Seales, and Jomel Warrican.