PCB Chief Ehsan Mani Confirms England And New Zealand Tours Of Pakistan Are Still Onboard

Pakistan Cricket Board’s Chief Ehsan Mani has confirmed that England and New Zealand are set to tour Pakistan as planned despite the uncertainty of both nations pulling off from the tournament. New Zealand and England are set to tour Pakistan after 18 and 16 years respectively in the upcoming two months. While New Zealand is set to tour Pakistan for an ODI and T20I series in September, England is going to visit Pakistan in October for a T20I series.

However, the Taliban’s recent takeover of Pakistan’s neighbouring country Afghanistan has drawn doubts over two sides visiting the Asian country, with some reports also alleging about New Zealand players raising concerns about the tour. Afghanistan is undergoing political turmoil after Taliban forces took over the country, forcing the nation’s President Ashraf Ghani to flee to a foreign nation.

There Are No Problems In Hosting Matches In Pakistan, Says PCB Chief Ehsan Mani

While speaking to Times of India, PCB chief Ehsan Mani confirmed that England and New Zealand tours are still on board.

“Cricket is taking place [in Pakistan] and we have New Zealand coming in September followed by England in October. There are no problems in hosting matches in Pakistan,” Ehsan Mani told TOI.

Security officers from England and New Zealand are going to assess the situation in Pakistan during the weekend. New Zealand will tour Pakistan in September. They will be led by Tom Latham and will be short of some crucial players who will be undertaking IPL commitments at the same time.

New Zealand vs Pakistan series comprises three ODIs and five T2OIs. The three ODI games will be played on September 17, 19, and 21 in Rawalpindi. The five T20I encounters will take place on September 25, 26, 29, October 1, and 3 in Lahore.

Following the New Zealand tour, Pakistan will host England for two T20I matches. The matches will be played on October 13 and 14 in Rawalpindi. England women team is also slated to play three ODIs against Pakistan women on October 17, 19, and 21.

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