Cricket / New Zealand to tour Pakistan twice in next two years

Cricket Desk: In September, New Zealand was the first team to cancel its series against Pakistan. Both the teams were scheduled to play three ODIs and five T20Is during that tour which was called off by the New Zealand Cricket (NZC) due to security concerns. England’s men and women team were also scheduled to travel to Pakistan in October to play two T20Is against the respective teams. However, England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) also canceled this tour, citing a security threat.

On December 20, NZC announced that the Blackcaps would travel to Pakistan in the next season twice to complete the initial tour as well as two Test matches. The decision was taken after the cricket boards of both the teams had a meeting in Dubai last month. NZC Chief Executive David White mentioned that the tour would strengthen the bond between the two cricket boards.

“Our respective chairmen, Ramiz Raja and Martin Snedden, had very fruitful and constructive discussions while in Dubai, further strengthening the bond between the two organizations,” said White as quoted by NZC.

Pleased with the outcomes of our discussions and negotiations: PCB Chairman Ramiz Raja

Pakistan Cricket Board’s chairman Ramiz Raja expressed his pleasure and thanked the NZC chairman for their support. Raja further said that the confirmation of this tour reflects the relationship that the two organizations have. It also indicates Pakistan being an important member of the cricket fraternity

“I am pleased with the outcomes of our discussions and negotiations, and thank Martin Snedden and his board for their understanding and support,” said Raja.

“This reflects the strong, cordial, and historic relations the two boards have, and reconfirms Pakistan’s status as an important member of the cricket fraternity,” Raja said.

New Zealand would tour Pakistan in December 2022-January 2023 to play two World Test Championship Test matches. It will be an important tour for the New Zealand team, being the defending champions. Also, the Blackcaps would return in April to play five ODIs and five T20Is.

The first tour was already agreed upon between both boards and will be a part of the Future Tours Programme (FTP). The second tour is the replacement for the canceled tour in September. The PCB and NZC will announce the final dates of the series after further discussion.