Uncapped keeper-batter receives maiden call-up as West Indies name squad for PAK vs WI Test series 2025
Cricket West Indies (CWI) have named Amir Jangoo in the squad for the two-Test series against Pakistan next month, with the installment marking both teams' final assignment of the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. It will also be the first time in 18 years that the Caribbeans play a Test in Pakistan.
Wicketkeeper-batter Jangoo has received his maiden call-up to the squad after his exploits across formats in regional cricket. The 27-year-old has also had a bright start to his international career as he scored a century on his ODI debut against Bangladesh to script a series win for the West Indies. Gudakesh Motie has also returned to the fold after missing the recent drawn series against Bangladesh.
Shamar Joseph has missed out due to an injury and continues his rehabilitation, while Alzarri Joseph rendered himself unavailable due to other reasons.
West Indies squad: Kriagg Brathwaite (c), Joshua da Silva, Alick Athanaze, Justin Greaves, Kavem Hodge, Tevin Imlach, Amir Jangoo, Mikyle Louis, Gudakesh Motie, Anderson Phillip, Kemar Roach, Kevin Sinclair, Jayden Seales, Jomel Warrican.
"The focus is on building on what we have done well and transforming the learnings from 2024" - West Indies head coach ahead of Pakistan tour
West Indies Head coach Andre Coley addressed the selection decisions for the two-Test series in Multan and said (via Cricket West Indies official website):
"For the Test series against Pakistan in January 2025, the focus is on building on what we have done well and transforming the learnings from 2024 into tangible results. Motie rejoins the squad to bolster the spin attack, while Jangoo’s selection comes on the back of his consistency across formats in regional cricket, as well as his demonstrated high level of competency against spin bowling."
Pakistan and the West Indies are currently occupying the seventh and ninth positions in the WTC standings, respectively. While Pakistan have an outside chance of reaching the WTC final, they need plenty of results to go their way. The first Test between the two sides begins on January 17, 2025.