New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has permitted its performer to choose between featuring in the historic Pakistan tour or the 16th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) upcoming year. The Kiwis will visit Pakistan in 2 phases – in December 2022-January 2023, ensued by April-May 2023 to play in all formats.
New Zealand will visit Pakistan for the first leg include of 2 Tests, part of the ICC World Test Championship in December 2022 and January 2023. Moreover, the tourists will also participate in 3 World Cup Super League games as both teams aim for direct qualification in the 50-over tournament upcoming year.
🗓️Mark your calendars!
After hosting Australia and England, PCB announces details of New Zealand dual tours of Pakistan#PAKvNZ pic.twitter.com/CDRmfZxOMT
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) October 10, 2022
The 2nd leg of the tour will involve 5 ODIs and several T20Is from April 13 to May 7 and will clash with the profitable Indian league. Kane Williamson, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult, and Mitchell Santner are some performers who will likely have a decision to make.
NZC CEO David White stated in New Zealand media:
“As of our understanding, our full-strength side will go to Pakistan. I haven’t talked to players and their associations further in this regard. But, players will be allowed to play in IPL. They will be free to make a choice between IPL and Pakistan tours.
“Our delegation visited Pakistan earlier this year. We are in contact with the embassy and our government about this tour.”
It will be the Kiwis’ initial Pakistan tour since 2003-04 when they tour the Asian country for 5 ODIs. Although, they haven’t performed Test cricket in Pakistan since May 2002.
“It’s really thrilling playing cricket back in Pakistan” – New Zealand captain Kane Williamson
Meanwhile, Black Caps skipper Kane Williamson highlighted his excitement to play in Pakistan and expects the hosts to present a massive challenge. The right-handed batter stated in a video published by Pakistan Cricket’s Twitter handle:
“It’s really exciting playing cricket back in Pakistan. Such a rich cricketing history, and so many incredible matches that have been played here, and we are really looking forward to that experience.
“Pakistan is a team that is formidable in all formats, so we know it’s a tough task, but it’s a challenge we look forward to. As a team, they are always well-balanced. They have produced a lot of fast bowlers and have the batting to go with it all. Their captain Babar Azam is the top in the world.”
💬 “Pretty special to play back in Pakistan”
New Zealand captain Kane Williamson expresses excitement at his team’s upcoming tours of Pakistan 👍
Full schedule ➡️ https://t.co/WUkV3M4ITC#PAKvNZ pic.twitter.com/zndmnQOICt
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) October 10, 2022
The 2 sides are at this time involved in a tri-nation series, also involving Bangladesh. New Zealand and Pakistan are probably to meet in the finals of the series.
Also read:- Stuart Broad possible to skip England’s Test tour of Pakistan after this year