Pakistan Mulls Participation In New Zealand Tri-series Ahead Of T20 World Cup

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is considering the national team’s support in a tri-country series in New Zealand including the hosts and Bangladesh in front of October’s ICC T20 World Cup, which is set to be played in Australia.

The PCB has been officially contacted by New Zealand Cricket (NZC) for the series, which is probably going to be planned for the first week of October with the World Cup to begin around mid-month.

Pakistan Invited By New Zealand For Tri-series

“The NZC has invited the PCB for a tri-series in New Zealand in the lead up to the T20 World Cup,” the PCB spokesperson told Dawn.

“We are presently reviewing the invite and will revert to the NZC following a consultation process.”

While Bangladesh, who likewise accepted NZC’s greeting, have affirmed their cooperation in the series, Pakistan’s pressed timetable in September has held the PCB back from making a choice immediately.

Pakistan will take part in the T20 Asia Cup from September 1-17 preceding facilitating England for a seven-match T20 series, of which the dates are still in question.

The games being organized outside the pre-concluded Future Tours Program is another component that is under PCB’s thought. Be that as it may, sources said the ultimate choice will be made by the Saqlain Mushtaq-drove Pakistan team management remembering the players’ workload.

Pakistan’s Relations With New Zealand Not At Best Terms In Recent Times

Pakistan’s cricketing relations with New Zealand dealt a blow when the latter singularly cut short their visit to the country hours before the first match referring to security concerns.

Dawn comprehends NZC remunerated the PCB monetarily for its loss after the Kiwis’ withdrawal. As per sources, it paid a “significant” sum to take care of the expense the PCB bore for the guests’ convenience, security and plans at the scenes New Zealand’s unexpected choice to stop the visit had likewise set off a strong reaction from the PCB and criticism by its chairman Ramiz Raja.

Months after the fact New Zealand vowed to get back to Pakistan for a three-match One-day International series and two Test matches in December-January and five one-dayers and 5 T20s in April 2023.

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