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The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced a significant development in cricket diplomacy on Wednesday, revealing that the New Zealand men’s team is scheduled to tour Pakistan for a series of five T20Is starting from April 18. This tour holds paramount importance for both teams as they gear up for the Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, slated to take place from June 1-29 in the United States of America (USA) and the West Indies.
Tour schedule and venue: Pakistan vs New Zealand T20 Series
Underlining the significance of this tour, the PCB disclosed that the New Zealand team will commence their visit to Pakistan by arriving in the capital city of Islamabad on April 14. The series will kick off with three T20Is at the historic Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi on April 18, 20, and 21. Subsequently, the action will shift to Lahore, where the remaining two matches of the series will be held at the iconic Gaddafi Stadium on April 25 and 27 respectively.
New Zealand Players’ availability concerns amidst IPL 2024 commitments
However, amidst the excitement surrounding this announcement, concerns arise regarding the availability of several New Zealand players due to their participation in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. Notable names such as Kane Williamson for Gujarat Titans (GT) while Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra and Mitchell Santner will represent Chennai Super Kings (CSK) etc, are integral parts of IPL franchises, potentially impacting their presence in the Pakistan series.
Also READ: 8 players from PSL 2024 who will feature in IPL 2024
PCB Director’s perspective regarding the series
Usman Wahle, the Pakistan Cricket Board’s Director of International Cricket, expressed delight in presenting the schedule for the New Zealand men’s team tour to Pakistan 2024. He emphasized the significance of the series as a crucial component of the buildup to the ICC T20 World Cup, highlighting the anticipation among cricket enthusiasts for yet another competitive contest between Pakistan and New Zealand.
“In a testament to the unwavering camaraderie between Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and New Zealand Cricket (NZC), we are delighted to present the schedule for New Zealand men’s team tour to Pakistan 2024. This tour symbolizes the deep-rooted ties and mutual respect that define the relationship between our two cricketing nations. Our avid cricket fans and the people of Pakistan will welcome the New Zealand team again and we hope to have yet another competitive series which is a key part of our buildup to this year’s ICC T20 World Cup,” Wahle said.
New Zealand Tour of Pakistan, T20I series fixtures:
- April 18: 1st T20I, at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi; 7:30 pm IST/ 2:00 pm GMT/ 7:00 pm Local
- April 20: 2nd T20I, at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi; 7:30 pm IST/ 2:00 pm GMT/ 7:00 pm Local
- April 21: 3rd T20I, at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi; 7:30 pm IST/ 2:00 pm GMT/ 7:00 pm Local
- April 25: 4th T20I, at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore; 7:30 pm IST/ 2:00 pm GMT/ 7:00 pm Local
- April 27: 5th T20I, at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore; 7:30 pm IST/ 2:00 pm GMT/ 7:00 pm Local
