New Zealand is set to tour Pakistan for a series of five T20Is scheduled from April 18 to 27, as announced by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). This tour marks New Zealand’s third visit to Pakistan in just 17 months.
The first three T20Is are scheduled to be played in Rawalpindi on April 18, 20, and 21, with Lahore hosting the final two matches on April 25 and 27. The New Zealand team is expected to arrive in Pakistan on April 14.
However, the series coincides with the Indian Premier League (IPL), which may impact the availability of several New Zealand players. Players such as Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, and Devon Conway (recovering from thumb surgery) are part of IPL teams and are unlikely to be available for the Pakistan series.
Despite the clash with the IPL, PCB’s director of international cricket, Usman Wahla, expressed the significance of this tour, stating, “This tour symbolises the deep-rooted ties and mutual respect that define the relationship between our two cricketing nations.” He also highlighted the importance of the series as part of the buildup to this year’s ICC T20 World Cup.
New Zealand’s previous tour to Pakistan in 2023 also coincided with the IPL, where they played five T20Is and as many ODIs from April 14 to May 7. This upcoming series is expected to provide another competitive encounter between the two teams, much to the delight of cricket fans in Pakistan.
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