Some of the premier New Zealand players are likely to skip the upcoming five-match T20I tour of Pakistan to honour their commitments to various franchises in the Indian Premier League (IPL), which commences on March 22.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and New Zealand Cricket (NZC) are in discussions to finalize the dates for the five-match T20I series, scheduled to be played between April 13 to 24 in Lahore and Rawalpindi. However, the IPL’s continuation till May 26 will clash with New Zealand’s tour of Pakistan.
Reports suggest that star Kiwi players contracted to IPL franchises will miss the national team’s tour of Pakistan. Among them are Devon Conway (Chennai Super Kings), Daryl Mitchell (CSK), Rachin Ravindra (CSK), Mitchell Santner (CSK), Kane Williamson (Gujarat Titans), Lockie Ferguson (Royal Challengers Bangalore), Trent Boult (Rajasthan Royals), and Glenn Phillips (Sunrisers Hyderabad).
In a similar scenario in 2023, New Zealand toured Pakistan for five T20Is and five ODIs in April and May, coinciding with the IPL. The Kiwis fielded a second-string team during that tour, managing a 2-2 draw in the T20Is but succumbing to a 4-1 defeat in the ODIs.
With the T20 World Cup scheduled for June, teams are focusing on preparation plans. In the past, players from teams like England and Australia have skipped the IPL to prepare for important national team assignments. The ninth edition of the T20 World Cup begins on June 2, with the USA facing Canada in Dallas.
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