David White
David White (Image Credit: Twitter)

After cancelling their visit to Pakistan last year due to an unexplained security issue, the Black Caps will play there twice this year. 

The head of New Zealand Cricket, David White, is optimistic about player commitments and safety for the two impending Black Caps’ tours to Pakistan. 

New Zealand To Play Two Tests And Three ODI’s On Tour Of Pakistan In December-January

New Zealand Cricket Team
Photo Credit: (Getty Images)

In December and January, the NZ men’s team will play two tests and three one-day internationals against the hosts before returning in April and May for five ODIs and five Twenty20 matches.

Just hours before the first ODI in Rawalpindi last year, the Black Caps cancelled their visit to Pakistan because of an unknown security risk. 

While New Zealand head coach Gary Stead is confident in the condition of his speed bowlers, all-rounder Daryl Mitchell will remain on the T20 World Cup roster.

The PCB chairman, Ramiz Raja, declared at the time that it was “frustrating” to see the Black Caps cancel the visit by acting unilaterally and not alerting Pakistan to the security danger. 

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New Zealand Will Make Up For Previous Missed Tour Of Pakistan: David White

While Australia and England have recently visited Pakistan, David White, the chief executive of NZ Cricket, expressed satisfaction with the trip preparations. 

“We sent over a reconnaissance team of four people, they went to all the venues, all the hotels etc,” David White said. 

Pakistan vs New Zealand
Pakistan vs New Zealand. Image Source: Twitter

“And they worked very closely with the Pakistan authorities, Pakistan cricket and embassies and the like over there. We’ve also obviously been talking regularly with the New Zealand government, so we’re proceeding with the tour and looking forward to it. 

“The post-Christmas tour is part of the test championship and qualification for the Cricket World Cup, while April is the make-up for the previous tour.” 

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Players Will Be Free To Play In The IPL: David White

There is no sign that players are reluctant to go to Pakistan, therefore David White is certain the Black Caps will field a full-strength team on the inaugural tour. 

One of several first-choice players who decide to participate in the IPL rather than against Pakistan in April-May maybe New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson. 

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Kane Williamson
Kane Williamson (Image Credits- Twitter)

That’s our understanding to date. 

“I’ve had no other discussions with players [on that topic] – Heath [NZ Cricket Players’ Association chief Heath Mills] and I have been regularly updating the players, so at this stage that appears to be the situation.” 

The two test matches will take place in Multan from January 4–8 and in Karachi from December 27–31. As part of the ICC World Cup Super League, Karachi will also host the three one-day internationals from January 11–15. 

The Indian Premier League encounter will prevent the Black Caps and the hosts from fielding their full First XI for the five T20s and five ODIs in April and May. 

“Players will be free to play in the IPL – it will be player choice,” David White said. 

Since their tour of South Africa in 2012–2013, the Black Caps haven’t played around Christmas or New Year’s outside of New Zealand or Australia.