5 Key Battles And Full Schedule: The Pakistan Vs West Indies Cricket Rivalry Roars Back In 2025
The historic cricket rivalry between Pakistan and the West Indies is set for a massive resurgence in 2025, featuring two distinct tours that span all three formats of the game. This comprehensive article, updated for December 17, 2025, provides the complete, confirmed schedule and venues for both the crucial Test series in Pakistan and the limited-overs clashes in the Caribbean and the USA, highlighting the importance of these matches for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) and the global T20 landscape.
The action kicks off with the West Indies men’s team touring Pakistan for a two-match Test series in January, marking their first Test tour to the country in nearly two decades. This will be followed by Pakistan's reciprocal visit to the Caribbean and the United States in August for a high-octane series of T20 Internationals and One-Day Internationals, setting the stage for a year of thrilling cricket.
Full 2025 Pakistan vs West Indies Schedule & Key Venues
The 2025 cricket calendar features two major series between the two cricketing nations, offering fans a full spectrum of the sport, from the grind of Test cricket to the explosive nature of T20Is.
Part 1: West Indies Tour of Pakistan (January 2025)
This two-match Test series is a critical component of the 2023–2025 ICC World Test Championship (WTC). Both matches will be hosted at the same venue.
- Match 1 (1st Test): January 17–21, 2025. Venue: Multan Cricket Stadium, Multan.
- Match 2 (2nd Test): January 25–29, 2025. Venue: Multan Cricket Stadium, Multan.
The decision to host both Tests in Multan is significant. The Multan Cricket Stadium has a rich history, having hosted its first Test in 2001. Recent records at the venue show a high-scoring potential, exemplified by England's massive 823/7d score in 2024.
Part 2: Pakistan Tour of West Indies (August 2025)
Pakistan will travel for a limited-overs series, with the T20Is being played in a crucial market for global cricket and the ODIs in the traditional heartland of West Indies cricket.
T20 International Series (3 Matches):
All three T20Is will be played at the Central Broward Regional Park Stadium Turf Ground in Lauderhill, Florida, USA.
- 1st T20I: August 1, 2025.
- 2nd T20I: August 3, 2025.
- 3rd T20I: August 4, 2025.
One-Day International Series (3 Matches):
The ODI leg of the tour will take place in Trinidad, at the venue named after one of the greatest cricketers of all time.
- 1st ODI: August 8, 2025. Venue: Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Trinidad.
- 2nd ODI: August 10, 2025. Venue: Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Trinidad.
- 3rd ODI: August 12, 2025. Venue: Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Trinidad.
The Brian Lara Cricket Academy, inaugurated in 2017, is known for its modern facilities and has hosted several international fixtures, including the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) matches.
5 Player Battles That Will Define The 2025 Series
The outcome of these six matches across the two tours will likely hinge on the individual performances of the biggest stars. Here are five crucial player matchups to watch:
- Babar Azam (PAK) vs. Shamar Joseph (WI): The battle between Pakistan’s premier batsman, Babar Azam, and the West Indies' sensational young fast bowler, Shamar Joseph, will be box office in the Test series. Joseph’s raw pace and Azam’s elegant technique against the moving ball will be a classic Test cricket confrontation on the Multan pitch.
- Shaheen Shah Afridi (PAK) vs. Rovman Powell (WI): In the T20I series, the left-arm swing of Shaheen Afridi against the power-hitting of West Indies captain Rovman Powell will be decisive. Can Powell navigate the early overs onslaught from Afridi, particularly in the flat conditions of Florida?
- Mohammad Rizwan (PAK) vs. Alzarri Joseph (WI): Rizwan’s ability to anchor an innings and accelerate in the middle overs will be severely tested by the pace and accuracy of Alzarri Joseph in both the ODI and T20I formats. Joseph is a key wicket-taker for the Caribbean side.
- Abrar Ahmed (PAK) vs. Shimron Hetmyer (WI): The mystery spin of Abrar Ahmed, who has been a revelation in Test cricket, will challenge the aggressive stroke play of Shimron Hetmyer. Hetmyer’s performance against spin is often the barometer for the West Indies' middle-order success in limited-overs cricket.
- Salman Ali Agha (PAK) vs. Jason Holder (WI): This all-rounder battle will be crucial in the ODIs. Salman Ali Agha, a potential captain in the white-ball format, will go head-to-head with the experienced Jason Holder, who provides vital contributions with both bat and ball, especially in the Trinidad conditions.
Historical Head-to-Head & WTC Implications
The rivalry between Pakistan and the West Indies is one of long-standing tradition, though recent results have heavily favored the Asian side, particularly in the shortest format. Understanding the historical dominance in each format provides context for the upcoming series.
Test Cricket Dominance (The WTC Angle)
In the Test arena, Pakistan holds a slight edge in the overall head-to-head record. Out of 56 matches played, Pakistan has won 22, while the West Indies have secured 18 victories, with 16 draws.
The 2025 Test series is paramount for both teams' standings in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-2025 cycle. Both teams are currently languishing near the bottom of the WTC points table, making the 24 points available in Multan absolutely vital for any hope of a late surge. The West Indies' last Test series victory against Pakistan was a memorable one, and they will be looking to replicate that success.
Limited-Overs Contrast
The head-to-head record shifts dramatically depending on the format:
- One-Day Internationals (ODIs): The West Indies historically have a better record, leading Pakistan 71-63 in their 139 encounters. The three matches at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy will be crucial for improving Pakistan's record.
- T20 Internationals (T20Is): Pakistan is overwhelmingly dominant in the T20 format. They have consistently outperformed the Caribbean side, which is a surprising contrast given the West Indies' reputation as a T20 powerhouse. The three matches in Florida offer the West Indies a chance to close the gap in front of a significant expat audience.
The Significance of the 2025 Tours
Beyond the scorecards, the 2025 fixtures carry immense significance for both teams and the global game.
For Pakistan, the Test series is a chance to secure much-needed WTC points and consolidate their position under new leadership or coaching structures. Hosting a major side for two Test matches after such a long gap is also a boost for the return of top-tier international cricket to venues like Multan.
For the West Indies, the Test tour is a massive opportunity to prove their credentials in the longest format away from home. Their young talent, including players like Shamar Joseph, needs exposure to varied conditions. The limited-overs series in the USA and Trinidad is essential for their brand visibility and preparation for future ICC white-ball tournaments.
These two tours in 2025 are not just a continuation of an old rivalry; they are a fresh chapter in the story of two proud cricketing nations, providing a deep dive into the talent, strategy, and passion that defines the sport.
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