New Zealand is gearing up for their third tour to Pakistan in just over a year, with a series of five T20 Internationals (T20Is) scheduled from April 18 to 27, as confirmed by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Wednesday (March 13). This tour underscores the growing cricketing ties between the two nations.
The first three T20Is are slated to take place in Rawalpindi on April 18, 20, and 21, while Lahore will host the remaining two matches on April 25 and 27. New Zealand’s squad is expected to land in Pakistan on April 14, marking the beginning of what promises to be an exciting series.
However, the clash with the Indian Premier League (IPL) presents a challenge, with many New Zealand players likely to be occupied with their IPL commitments. Key players such as Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, and Devon Conway are all part of IPL teams, potentially impacting their availability for the Pakistan series.
Despite the scheduling challenges, Usman Wahla, PCB’s director of international cricket, emphasized the significance of the tour in strengthening the bilateral relationship between the two cricketing nations. He expressed hope for another competitive series, crucial for both teams as they prepare for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup.
Image Source: © BCCI
