LAHORE: Amid doubts whether West Indies will send their best players to feature in the upcoming three-match Twenty20 International series against Pakistan set to be held in Karachi, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Najam Sethi claimed the list of the West Indies’ squad was saved in his cellphone.

“The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) want me to announce the squad as late as possible, citing security reasons,” said Sethi during the unveiling ceremony of the series logo here on Thursday. “They’ve also authorised me to choose any day for the announcement.”

Karachi, after successfully hosting the Pakistan Super League final on March 25, is set to welcome back international cricket when Pakistan take on the Windies at the National Stadium in T20Is on April 1, 2 and 3.

However, rumours suggest local fans won’t get to see the visiting side’s top-notch players. The Indian Premier League (IPL), which starts from April 7, is the reason that has fueled the rumours.

“Most of their cricketers would be in Pakistan and from here they would join the IPL,” Sethi said.

Sethi was accompanied by representatives of several sponsors on the occasion and expressed satisfaction that Pakistan cricket is heading in the right direction with their support. The representatives also praised PCB’s efforts.

Sethi also revealed that a tri-series including the West Indies and Pakistan could be held in the US in September this year.

Published in Dawn, March 30th, 2018