West Indies added all-rounder Keemo Paul to their squad ahead of the first ODI.
West Indies’ newly-appointed limited-overs captain, Nicholas Pooran, insisted that the touring side isn’t overly concerned about the scorching heat in Pakistan ahead of the first ODI on Wednesday, June 8, at the Multan Cricket Stadium.
He hopes that the boiling temperature will not affect the West Indies much during the three-match ODI series in Pakistan. However, there would be a lot of facilities for the players during the series, like delayed starts of the matches, extra breaks, ice collars, and vests to beat the heat in Pakistan.
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Notably, this ODI series was to be played in December last year, but due to a COVID-19 outbreak in the West Indies camp, it was shifted to June 2022, and during all three matches, the temperatures are likely to hover around 45 Celsius. Given that, the ODI matches will start at 1600 local time (1100 GMT).
However, Pooran did not sound worried about the conditions, as they are used to living in such hot conditions in the Caribbean. The West Indies had their first practice session on June 7 in Multan.
As reported by Reuters, Pooran said ahead of the first ODI: “Hopefully it doesn't affect us. Coming from the Caribbean, it is quite similar, so I think we'll be alright.”
He added, “The guys are coping well, the medical team is doing everything to keep us protected. You can't see the future, but I don't think the heat will be too much of a problem after what I saw this afternoon.”