World Cup Qualifiers and India series: West Indies face scheduling conflict

The West Indies team, currently in Zimbabwe, is facing a serious scheduling conflict between its white-ball and red-ball engagements, not an ideal situation to prepare for international assignments. Cricket West Indies (CWI) acknowledged the problem and has stated that it is exploring multiple options to avoid any potential crisis.

Just three days after the World Cup Qualifiers 2023 conclude in Zimbabwe on July 9, the Caribbean team is scheduled to meet India in a Test series that begins in Dominica on July 12. Complicating matters is the logistical challenge of travelling from Harare to Roseau, the capital city of the Caribbean island. Normal international travel would apparently require close to two days.

CWI has often had teams that differ between white ball and red ball matches, but there is some overlap on this occasion. Jason Holder, Kyle Mayers, Roston Chase, and Alzarri Joseph play both formats, and they are currently in Zimbabwe for the CWC qualifiers. In fact, all four were part of the XI in West Indies' 39-run win over the United States on June 18.

Their second game, against Nepal, is on Thursday (June 22). They face hosts Zimbabwe, a crucial contest in their group (A), on June 24, and then Netherlands two days later. The Super Sixes stage, for which the West Indies are expected to qualify, begins on June 29 and ends on July 7.

Chief selector Desmond Haynes did not respond to a Cricbuzz query but a CWI official involved in the planning said alternative arrangements are being made. "We have multiple options, but first we need to qualify for the CWC," the official told Cricbuzz. They intend to release the four players before the final as the title clash in the tournament has no major relevance to the World Cup qualification. Reaching the final is enough.

"The final of the CWCQ is meaningless, so our Test players won't participate," the official further added, stating, "but first we need to make sure we reach the final." It would be a surprise if the two-time champions do not qualify but the fact is that the West Indies team has always been one that never ceases to surprise.

Indian team to arrive by July 1

Meanwhile, there is no such worry for the Indian team, especially since their planned ODI series against Afghanistan has been postponed, as first reported by Cricbuzz on May 25. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is planning to ensure that the team arrives in the Caribbean well in advance of the first Test. Most likely, the team will arrive by July 1, allowing them at least 10 days to prepare and overcome jet lag.

The BCCI is expected to announce the squads for the 10-match series any time soon.