Windies skipper opts out of Pak T20I series due to security concerns

London: West Indies women’s cricket team captain Stefanie Taylor withdrew from their upcoming three-match T20I series against Pakistan, which will be played in Karachi, due to security reasons.
Taylor will join the squad for the subsequent ODI series against Pakistan which is scheduled to be held in Dubai. In Taylor’s absence, right-hand batswoman Merissa Aguilleira will be leading the Caribbean T20I side.
While experienced pacer Shakera Selman is named as the vice-captain for the three T20Is, allrounder Hayley Matthews was not included in the team due to a knee injury which she had sustained during Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) in December.
Uncapped offspinner Karishma Ramharack has been picked up as a replacement for Matthews in the team. The selectors have also given a chance to uncapped young opener Rashada Williams in the team. Chairman of selectors Courtney Browne said that Williams impressed the selection committee with her solid technique.
“Coming into the squad for the first time is young opening batter Rashada Williams from Jamaica, who has impressed the selectors with her solid technique and her ability to play spin, along with off-spinner Karishma Ramharack, who has been rewarded for her consistency in regional cricket,” ESPNcricinfo quoted Brown, as saying.
This will be West Indies’ first tour to Pakistan in 15 years. The last time the Caribbean side played in Pakistan was in 2004 when they won a seven-ODI series 5-2.