'Test cricket the most disciplined thing I will do' – Pandya

On a 55-day tour of Australia with the India A team, Hardik Pandya says he understood what it meant to be a long-format cricketer. He might soon get an opportunity to bring that knowledge to a Test match

Nagraj Gollapudi02-Nov-2016Returning from the India A tour of Australia in September, Hardik Pandya told his brother and Mumbai Indians team-mate Krunal something simple yet significant. “I actually have learned cricket on this tour,” Krunal recounts his younger sibling as saying.Pandya remembers it well. The India A tour helped bring his career back into stride after a disappointing IPL. “I remember that clearly,” Pandya tells ESPNcricinfo on Wednesday, hours after his maiden call-up to the India Test squad. “Not just Krunal, I said the same to many players on that A tour.”So what exactly did Pandya learn that he did not know already? “The main change was learning how to be disciplined playing cricket,” he says. “And playing Test cricket would be the most disciplined thing I will be doing.”Prior to the India A tour, Pandya says he played every tournament riding on his talent. However, during the 55-day long tour of Australia in the company of India A coach Rahul Dravid, Pandya began to understand what makes a long-form player.Dravid narrated a lot of things during the Australia trip, but Pandya cannot forget one point the former India captain made. “We were talking about what is a natural game,” Pandya says. “He [Dravid] said that there is no such thing called a natural game. It is just that in cricket you play according to the situation, and you win the games.”Soon Pandya found himself in the middle of one such tight situation. It came during the first innings of the second unofficial Test against Australia A at the Allan Border field in Brisbane. Put in to bat, India A were struggling at 46 for 6. Pandya was the last specialist batsman. He ended being the last man out, in the first over of the second morning, having made 79. The match ended in a draw”Lately I have been more disciplined,” Pandya says. “I wanted to perform in every game, but had not done much till then. In that match I told myself I can be the standout player, this is the last game of the tour, and I should do something really amazing. They came really hard, but I also responded hard and it worked.”Pandya says the biggest takeaway from the India A tour is that he now understands the nuances of the game a little bit better. Krunal agrees. “In his bowling he is now more clear with his thought process. Now his mind is quite clear what to do, when to do. If you think two things at the same time then you cannot execute your plan. He told me now he is very clear with his though process about what he has to do next in a situation.”While handing Hardik Pandya his ODI cap, Kapil Dev revealed to him that he had made his Test debut on the same day, October 16, in 1978•BCCIOn October 11, Pandya celebrated his 23rd birthday. Five days later he made his ODI debut in Dharamsala, in the first ODI of the series against New Zealand. Kapil Dev, India’s greatest allrounder, presented Pandya his ODI cap. During the handover Kapil shared a tiny nugget of information: he had made his Test debut in 1978 on the same day, October 16. “The feeling, that moment, I will cherish that all my life. I will never forget that I got my cap from Kapil Dev.”Pandya says the Test call-up is the biggest moment of his cricketing life. “Honestly, being called for the Tests is more pleasing and happier moment,” Pandya says. “I have been in the scheme of things as far as ODIs are concerned for a while, but to get a call for Test cricket is the main thing. It tests your temperament, fitness, work ethics, mental strength.”Pandya’s cricketing ride so far has been akin to being on a rollercoaster. He started on a high in his maiden international series, against Australia in the T20Is earlier this year. He showed courage and presence of mind during a last-over, one-run victory against Bangladesh in the World Twenty20 before sliding swiftly during the IPL where Mumbai Indians preferred Krunal over him.Pandya was then ignored for the limited-over series in Zimbabwe before being recalled for the fortunes-turning India A tour of Australia. He says he let external forces affect him in that low period. “It was very difficult during the IPL,” he says. “I was focusing on what people were saying about me. They were saying he is not focusing on his cricket. Until then I never used to worry about what outsiders said. But after making a name I was not used to people talking so much about me. Eventually it harmed me slightly. I was not focusing on things I should have focused on. Then I learned that if you are successful, people will say things and if you get affected it will not help. So I learned I had to be slightly low-profile and mellowed down.”The Pandya that came back was better equipped to handle tight situations. “I am more consistent as a bowler than what I was previously,” he says. “I was slightly wayward in Twenty20. But everything was new for me in that phase. Now I know I should and should not do.”Pandya backs the talk with an example, his first over in ODI cricket. “After four balls I had gone for 12 runs,” he said with a chuckle. “For a second I thought of my T20I debut over where I had gone for 19 runs. But I backed myself. The fours that went were mostly outside edges. Then I got a wicket off the last ball.”That wicket was of Martin Guptill, who had hit those three fours with a tentative bat, before eventually edging to the second slip. Pandya finished with three wickets and earned the Man-of-the-Match award on debut.Not just bowling with the new ball, another evident change in his bowling is the speed. Pandya clocked speeds in the 140s consistently against New Zealand. “MS [Dhoni] has been a big support, giving me the new ball,” he says. “It has helped in my growth as a bowler.” Dhoni told him that with his deceptive pace and with his ability to swing the ball, Pandya could easily grow into one of the three main fast bowlers for India in ODIs.’I have been in the scheme of things as far as ODIs are concerned for a while, but to get a call for Test cricket is the main thing’•Getty ImagesThe pace, Pandya points out, has not come overnight. “As a fast bowler you don’t go up in your pace in a month,” he said. “I have maintained a proper diet, proper eating habits, proper sleeping habits, proper fitness. It is about being disciplined in line and length. Paras Mhambrey [the bowling coach] helped me with that during the India A tour.”The changes are not lost upon keen observers. MSK Prasad, chairman of India’s selection committee, noted that Pandya had mellowed recently. Flamboyance, animated celebrations on the field accentuated by an extroverted personality, Prasad said, was what people associated Pandya with. That maverick element is still there, but he is much more composed in his attitude and more focused on the job at hand.”You can make out by his celebrations in the last three to four months,” Krunal says. “It is just the beginning. He is aiming to play consistently for India and do well. It is just a small step, but a very important one.”Pandya’s selection might be seen as a left-field choice considering his lack of first-class cricket since he started playing domestic cricket for Baroda in 2013. Pandya has played only 16 first-class matches, but reckons that cannot be seen as a limitation. “I am quite confident that I will be able to play good Test cricket,” Pandya says. “I know what capability I have. Eventually in life you learn things by doing. So I am not thinking whether I will play [against England] or not. I know I will learn something from this series.”

The 2mm that went against David Warner

Hawk-Eye has explained the mechanics behind the David Warner lbw dismissal in the second innings of the Bengaluru Test, which to the naked eye seemed a dubious “umpire’s call” on the point of impact

ESPNcricinfo staff13-Mar-2017Hawk-Eye has explained the mechanics behind the David Warner lbw dismissal in the second innings of the Bengaluru Test, which to the naked eye seemed a dubious “umpire’s call” on the point of impact.Here is ESPNcricinfo’s commentary of the call:

9.1 83.0 kph, lbw first ball. Long long chat, and they decide to review. Warner doesn’t look convinced, but he has reviewed it. Warner has picked a ball too full to sweep and is beaten. The question is, has he got an edge or has it straightened enough? This is pitched outside off, the ball has straightened, and I don’t see any part of ball in line. However, the machine is showing “umpire’s call”. I don’t know how. I must be wrong, but I will need an explanation from somebody here. Don’t see any part of ball in line. They show umpire’s call. Both on impact and the stumps. On many more replays, perhaps one mm of the ball hit him in line. Oof 42/2

Australia ended up losing that review, and that quite possibly cost them later on; they would likely have challenged a Shaun Marsh lbw call if they had both their reviews in hand, and, as replays showed, Marsh would have been allowed to bat on.Australia’s official Twitter handle tweeted an image of the Hawk-Eye projection of the Warner dismissal.

In that image, to the naked eye, there seems daylight between the point of impact and the line of the stumps. The ESPNcricinfo commentary said in relation to the image:

Make your own minds if this was “umpire’s call”. My naked eye sees nothing, but I also know once you agree to use a machine you have to agree with it.

The machine has now explained how it returned an umpire’s call. ESPNcricinfo has seen a Hawk-Eye video that removes the batsman from the image, and zooms in on the point of the impact from the top, as they do in tennis. That shows 2mm of the ball in line with the stumps.”Although it may have appeared on first glance that the impact was slightly outside the line of off stump, in fact there was actually 2mm of the ball inside the outside edge of off stump, thus making the impact ‘umpire’s call’, resulting in the original decision of out remaining,” Hawk-Eye said.It was unfortunate for Warner and Australia that they were done in by such a minute margin, but it was not inaccurate.

Newcastle Could Sign ‘Unbelievable’ £35m Almiron Rival

Newcastle United are reportedly interested in Leicester City gem Harvey Barnes, as Eddie Howe bids to bolster his attack this summer.

It’s due to be a busy transfer window for the Magpies, who have powerful financial backing and a new-found pull due to qualifying for the Champions League for the first time since the 2002/03 campaign.

The signing of Sandro Tonali from AC Milan fired Newcastle’s transfer dealings off to an impressive start, and the North East side could keep up the momentum by securing the signature of Barnes.

What’s the latest on Harvey Barnes to Newcastle?

As reported yesterday by the Daily Mail, Newcastle are ‘back on the trail’ of the Leicester winger, who has seen his future become a topic of interest for a number of Premier League clubs.

The report states that West Ham, Aston Villa and Tottenham have ‘enquired’ over the 25-year-old’s availability, with an exit from the King Power almost certain following the Foxes’ relegation.

The report speculates a £35m price tag has been put on the forward, making him an affordable option for the Magpies.

What could Harvey Barnes offer to Newcastle?

Despite enjoying an impressive season in the final third, netting 69 goals in 38 Premier League games, Howe is reportedly looking to add firepower to his attack this summer.

After scoring 13 goals in 34 appearances, Barnes stood out as a key player in Leicester’s underwhelming side, sparking rumours that he will depart with the aim to remain in the Premier League.

It’s clear to see why clubs are circling the Englishman, who was a constant threat for the Foxes on the flank, excelling as one of the league’s most dangerous wide men.

Signing players from abroad can be a risk, with there being some anxiety about whether the individual can adapt to the physicality and demands of the English top tier.

The bonus with signing Barnes is the fact that he is a ready-made Premier League proven talent, hailed as “unbelievable” by Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.

Newcastle, like every club, have had to be patient with some talent as they adapt to the league, one being Miguel Almiron who has taken some time to show glimpses of his full potential after trading the MLS for the Premier League in 2019.

Last campaign, the Paraguayan finally signalled that he was at home on Tyneside, scoring 11 goals in the league in his best individual campaign since his arrival.

The 29-year-old managed to net just nine goals in his first three and a half years in the Premier League, repaying the patience of those around him last term.

Newcastle United winger Miguel Almiron.

Introducing Barnes could be productive for the former Atlanta winger, who could set the tone for the level wide players should be operating at, in the bid to inspire Almiron to remain consistent through competition.

Despite scoring 11 goals, the winger scored just two between January and the end of the season, showing his problems with consistency.

Deployable on either side, Almiron could form some healthy competition with the Leicester sensation, installing a raised level of performance in the attack.

The two are very similar in their ability, with Barnes displaying the edge in front of goal, averaging 0.43 non-penalty goals per 90 to the Newcastle star’s 0.40, via FBref.

Howe could introduce fuel to the fire of his attack by signing Barnes, who in any regard would be an upgrade to the side, adding significant depth and power to the Magpies’ front line.

Persistent rain washes out first T20I between West Indies and Bangladesh

Bangladesh, batting first, got only 13 overs and made 105 for 8

Associated Press03-Jul-2022Match abandoned Persistent showers forced a premature end to the first T20I between West Indies and Bangladesh at a refurbished Windsor Park on Saturday.A wet outfield delayed the start for 100 minutes and reduced the match to 16 overs per side. After play was halted in the eighth over, the match was reduced to 14 overs per side.Related

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Bangladesh, made to bat first, got only 13 overs when a shower interrupted play again. But that was enough for officials to call a washout with the ground flooded in sunlight.Bangladesh were 105 for 8 when the game was called off. Shakib Al Hasan top-scored with 29, and every West Indies bowler got a wicket, led by Romario Shepherd’s 3 for 21.The game was the first international at Windsor Park since it was rebuilt after being severely damaged in 2017 by a hurricane.It will stage the second T20I too on Sunday. The third and last T20I is scheduled for Thursday in Providence, Guyana.

He’s like Cunha: Arsenal plot move for "one of the best players in the PL"

We are only in the second week of the silly season, yet the rumour mill is in full swing, especially so for Arsenal.

Mikel Arteta’s side are enduring something of a minor blip in the Premier League and look destined to exit the League Cup, so links to a whole host of attacking stars shouldn’t be all that surprising.

One of the most prominent links has been to Wolverhampton Wanderers’ star Matheus Cunha, although with talk of him signing a new deal with the Old Gold, it seems unlikely that he’ll be going anywhere.

Matheus Cunha

However, there is another Premier League star that the Gunners have been linked to recently, a star who just so happens to have won comparisons to Cunha this year.

Arsenal chase superb Premier League star

According to a recent report from Sky Sports Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg, Arsenal are interested in Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo.

Unfortunately for any fans hoping he might join this month, Plettenberg has revealed that the Cameroon international has been placed on the Gunners’ shortlist for potential summer signings.

The report does not mention a potential price tag, but according to other stories from earlier this month, the talented attacker could be available for around £50m.

It could be a complicated and relatively costly transfer to get over the line, but given Mbeumo’s incredible ability, it’s one well worth pursuing, especially as he’s won comparisons to Cunha.

How Mbeumo compares to fellow Arsenal target Matheus Cunha

So, before we look at a couple of the reasons Arsenal should go out and sign Mbeumo this year, be that this month or in the summer, let’s examine this comparison to Cunha and where it has come from.

It primarily stems from FBref, which compares players in similar positions in Europe’s top five leagues, the Champions League and Europa League then creates a list of the ten most comparable players for each one, and, in this instance, has concluded that the Brazilian is the seventh most similar attacking midfielder or winger to the Cameroonian over the last 365 days.

The best way to see where this comparison has come from is to look at the underlying metrics in which the pair rank closely, including, but not limited to, expected goals plus assists, passing accuracy, progressive, live and key passes, shot and goal-creating actions and more, all per 90.

Expected Goals + Assists

0.54

0.56

Progressive Passes

4.07

4.10

Passing Accuracy

69.5%

71.4%

Key Passes

1.86

1.85

Crosses into the Penalty Area

0.45

0.42

Live Passes

31.4

30.6

Goal-Creating Actions

0.50

0.46

Shot-Creating Actions

3.81

3.98

However, aside from his similarities to the incredible Wolves talent, there are a couple of other reasons Arteta and Co should look to bring the former Troyes ace in this year.

The first is his incredible output, as in just 23 appearances across all competitions this season, the dynamic attacker, whom pundit Dan Bardell recently dubbed “one of the best players in the Premier League,” has found the back of the net on 13 occasions and provided four assists for good measure.

Bryan Mbeumo celebrates for Brentford

This means that, as things stand, the 25-year-old ace is averaging a goal involvement every 1.35 games for the Bees.

Finally, on top of bringing more goals to the team, the Avallon-born dynamo would also be the perfect player to cover for Bukayo Saka off the right – to ensure he is no longer overplayed – and he could also rival Kai Havetrz and Gabriel Jesus for the number nine role, ensuring they have to stay on their toes at all times.

Ultimately, while it wouldn’t be cheap, Arsenal should do what they can to bring Mbeumo to the Emirates this year, as his goalscoring abilities and positional versatility would make the team far stronger.

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2 ByJack Salveson Holmes Jan 8, 2025

Jacob Duffy signs short-term Kent contract to ease club's injury crisis

New Zealander will play two Championship games with three frontline seamers sidelined

ESPNcricinfo staff07-Jun-2022Jacob Duffy, the New Zealand seamer, has signed for Kent on a short-term deal that will see him play two County Championship matches.Duffy, 27, was part of New Zealand’s enlarged squad for their ongoing Test series against England but was trimmed from the initial 20-man group ahead of the first Test at Lord’s, having played in both warm-up games.Kent have struggled with injuries to seamers throughout this season with Darren Stevens, Harry Podmore and Nathan Gilchrist all sidelined as things stand, while Jackson Bird had his early-season spell as an overseas player cut short by a shoulder injury.Matt Henry, Duffy’s compatriot, is due to return to the club after the third Test at Headingley but the club were keen to recruit an additional seamer for their upcoming County Championship fixtures against Gloucestershire and Surrey, which are interspersed with T20 Blast fixtures.Related

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“We’re delighted to be able to secure Jacob’s services for our next two Championship matches,” Paul Downton, Kent’s director of cricket, said. “It’s a very busy part of the season with Championship matches intermingled with the Vitality Blast and Jacob will strengthen our seam attack at this crucial stage of our Championship campaign.”Duffy will be Kent’s second overseas player for the Championship alongside the South African allrounder George Linde, who is available across formats. Qais Ahmad, the Afghan legspinner, is at the club for the T20 Blast but is not expected to play in the Championship.Kent have endured a difficult start to the season and are ninth in the 10-team top division of the Championship, with four draws and two losses from their six games so far. They have also struggled in the Blast despite their status as defending champions, finally picking up their first win in their sixth group game against Middlesex on Sunday.Elsewhere, Durham have announced that Keegan Petersen has returned to South Africa ahead of schedule due to personal reasons. Nic Maddinson, the Australian batter, is expected to replace him after Australia A’s ongoing tour to Sri Lanka.

Savage from Rio Ferdinand! Man Utd legend mocks 'crying' former team-mate Nani with WhatsApp taunt following horror tackle by Jamie Carragher

Rio Ferdinand mocked ex-Manchester United team-mate Nani by showing an old photograph of the Portuguese crying after a foul by Jamie Carragher.

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Ferdinand mocked Nani on his podcastShowed an image of Portuguese crying after Carragher's challengeStill friends from Man Utd daysFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Ferdinand invited Nani on the and before starting a conversation with his former colleague, the ex-England star asked for questions in a WhatsApp group shared between old United stalwarts. Ferdinand then showed a photograph of the Portuguese winger crying during a Premier League defeat at Liverpool following a rough challenge from Jamie Carragher.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportWHAT RIO FERDINAND SAID

Speaking on his podcast, Ferdinand said, "You know what I put in the group, Nani. Nani, I put the picture of you at Anfield when you were crying. Youngy [Ashley Young] just text back, 'Why did Nani cry?'"

Ferdinand then burst into laughter, while Nani also saw the funny side of the story.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Last December, Nani decided to hang up his boots as the 38-year-old made an emotional retirement announcement by releasing a video on social media. The former Portugal international joined the Red Devils in 2007 and went on to represent them for eight years, where he won several major titles, including four Premier Leagues and one Champions League. In the summer of 2024, Nani returned to his hometown and joined Portuguese second-division club Estrela da Amadora.

Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER UNITED?

The United of the present day will be back in action in the Premier League on Tuesday as they take on third-placed Nottingham Forest.

Women's League Cup could be SCRAPPED in huge shake-up of the game in England

A major shake-up of the women’s game in England could reportedly lead to the League Cup competition being scrapped and removed from the calendar.

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Chelsea lifted the trophy in 2025Arsenal are seven-time winnersRevamp of calendar is plannedFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

The competition has formed part of the domestic schedule since 2011, as it was introduced alongside the launch of the Women's Super League. Prior to that, top-flight sides had been challenging for major silverware in the Women’s Premier League Cup.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The current format of the tournament is now in doubt as reports that "the Women’s Professional Leagues Ltd, the organisation responsible for the Women’s Super League and Championship, explores possible league expansion and reviews competition structures".

DID YOU KNOW?

Title sponsors Subway have a two-year deal in place, but the "WPLL has been extremely transparent with the company as it explores changes to the game". The WPLL “will consult clubs, the Football Association, fans and players on all alternatives under consideration”.

GettyTELL ME MORE

Chelsea savoured League Cup glory for a third time when seeing off Manchester City in the 2025 final. Across 14 stagings of the competition, only Chelsea, City and Arsenal have emerged triumphant – with the Gunners lifting the trophy on a record-setting seven occasions.

Leeds could sign "unbelievable" Struijk upgrade to boost promotion bid

Leeds United made it nine home wins in a row on Saturday, claiming a 4-0 victory over newly promoted Oxford United at Elland Road.

The win keeps Daniel Farke’s side within touching distance of current Championship leaders Sheffield United, who maintained the two-point cushion after their own victory against Cardiff City on Saturday.

Yesterday was also the ninth consecutive match on home soil in which the Whites registered two or more goals, a run that has seen the club boast the best home record of any side in the division to date.

Such a record could be pivotal come the end of the campaign as the club look to secure a return to the Premier League after a two-year absence from England’s top flight.

If they are to achieve such a feat, the upcoming January transfer window may be crucial, with numerous players already touted with a move to Yorkshire.

Leeds’ January move for PL star

The January transfer window is always a difficult period to conduct transfer business, with no side wanting to part ways with any of their star players given the lack of time to identify a replacement.

However, journalist John Percy claimed earlier this week that Farke’s men could return to a deal for Nottingham Forest centre-back Andrew Omobamidele after previously targeting a move in the summer.

The Republic of Ireland international, who joined the Reds for £11m from Norwich City last January, has found minutes hard to come by in 2024/25, featuring for just 90 minutes in the Carabao Cup against Newcastle back in August.

He’s found it difficult to dislodge either of Murillo and Nikola Milenkovic from the heart of Nuno Espírito Santo’s backline, with the aforementioned duo helping to their record of the joint-third-lowest goals conceded in the Premier League.

As a result, the 22-year-old could be allowed to depart the City Ground on a temporary basis in the coming weeks, potentially being an upgrade on one player currently plying his trade in Yorkshire.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Why Omobamidele would be an upgrade on Struijk

Centre-back Pascal Struijk has been an influential figure within the Leeds backline over recent months, starting in 21 matches this campaign, but was an unused substitute during yesterday’s win against Oxford.

The Dutchman has recently been touted with a move to join top-flight sides Brighton and Hove Albion and Tottenham Hotspur ahead of January, which could bring an end to his near five-year spell at the club.

Undoubtedly, it would take a huge fee to prise the 25-year-old away from Farke’s side given his importance to the squad in recent months, but should the worst come to fruition, Omobamidele would be a superb temporary fix in their quest for promotion.

The former Norwich ace made his name under Farke during their time together at Carrow Road, potentially rekindling their partnership whilst providing an upgrade on current star Struijk.

When comparing their respective stats from the previous campaign, the Irishman has bettered the former Ajax star in numerous key areas, doing so in a higher division after his spell as a starter towards the back end of last season for Forest.

Games played

13

23

Goals & assists

0

3

Pass accuracy

90%

90%

Tackles won in defensive third

1

0.7

Blocks made

1.5

1.1

Interceptions

1.6

0.9

Clearances

4.8

3.5

The “unbelievable” talent, as dubbed by international teammate Gavin Bazunu, may have contributed with fewer goals, but defensively, he outclassed the wanted Leeds man, winning more tackles in the defensive third and making more blocks per 90.

Omobamidele also completed more interceptions and made more clearances, playing a crucial role in maintaining the Reds’ top-flight status for another season.

He mainly operated in a right-side centre-back role during his previous time working under Farke, which could result in Joe Rodon operating on the left, allowing the pair to strike up a solid partnership at the heart of the defence.

However, regardless of which side the German would utilise him in, it’s evident that he would be a superb addition to the current squad, further strengthening their ambitions of returning to the Premier League come the end of May.

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Pakistan vs West Indies ODIs moved from Rawalpindi to Multan

Political uncertainty forced the relocation, with the ODIs expected to start at 4pm

Umar Farooq30-May-2022Pakistan have relocated their home series against West Indies from Rawalpindi to Multan. The decision has been taken in light of political uncertainty in Islamabad – the country’s capital, adjacent to Rawalpindi. The fixtures and schedule, however, remain unchanged, with the three ODIs, which are a part of the Cricket World Cup Super League to be played on June 8, 10 and 12.The games were originally slated for Rawalpindi, but the PCB had kept Multan as a back-up option, with former Prime Minister Imran Khan potentially planning protest rallies in the capital over the coming days. The original protest rally took place on May 25, but there remains a significant possibility of further such rallies over the coming days.Multan remained the only viable option, with Lahore and Karachi’s pitches being relaid, and the Arbab Niaz Stadium in Peshawar undergoing renovation work.Multan is situated in southern Punjab, and among the hottest cities in the country, with temperatures in the high 40s expected on matchdays. Pakistan has never hosted elite cricket at this time of year due to the summer heat, with nearly all high-level competitions including domestic season played during the winter and spring months between September and April.During the summer months, the PCB has mostly held its training camps in northern side of the country mostly in Abbottabad, which is located in the hilly Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province and experiences relatively milder weather. Last year, the PCB had made an attempt to host women cricketers camp in Multan but had to call off the camp due to extreme heat.The games will start at 4pm in the afternoon to mitigate the weather conditions. Pakistan will carry out their training camp in Lahore from June 1-4, before the squad moves to Multan on June 5. West Indies will arrive in Islamabad as planned on June 6 and will travel to Multan on a charter flight. The ODIs have been carried over from the series scheduled last December, when only the three T20Is took place, a Covid outbreak in the West Indies camp forcing the postponement of the ODIs. There will be no biosecure bubble for the series.

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