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

London (UK), Jan 24 (ANI): 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.
As part of their series preparation, which is being played in the build-up to the ICC Women’s Championship fourth round fixture, West Indies will arrive in Dubai on January 26, before travelling to Karachi on January 30.
The three T20Is will be played on January 31, February 1 and 3 at the Southend Club, following which the two sides will go head to head in three ODIs in Dubai on February 7, 9 and 11.
The first ODI will be played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, while the second and third ODIs will be played at the ICC Academy.
Following is the full West Indies squad for Pakistan series:
Stafanie Taylor (ODIs only), Merissa Aguilleira (T20I capt), Shemaine Campbelle, Shamilia Connell, Deandra Dottin, Afy Fletcher, Chinelle Henry, Kycia Knight, Natasha McClean, Anisa Mohammed, Chedean Nation, Karishma Ramharack, Shakera Selman, Rashada Williams. (ANI)