New Zealand Cricket Board are Considering to Play in Pakistan
Published - 02 May 2018, 04:48 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:38 AM
New Zealand is currently considering Pakistan Cricket Board’s request to play a series in Pakistan.
The Kiwis had last played in the country back in 2003. They were initially scheduled to play a full tour in 2002. But a bomb blast near their team hotel meant they played only an ODI series a year later.
Since the terror attacks on Sri Lankan players back in 2009, no major cricketing team has played in Pakistan. But PCB has increased their efforts to bring back cricket into Pakistan again.
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They have slowly managed to get international players to play in Pakistan via PSL. The final of the T20 league has been taking place in Pakistan over the past couple of years.
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Recently, the Windies also played a three-match T20I series in Karachi. New Zealand is scheduled to play Tests and ODIs against Pakistan later this year. But, New Zealand Cricket spokesperson, Richard Boock has revealed the games will still be played in UAE.
“NZC has received a request from the PCB chairman for New Zealand to play in Pakistan. At the moment NZC is doing due diligence on the request and consulting with security providers, the government, and the players. We will respond to the PCB when this process has been completed,” he said.
Pakistan is all set for a bumper home season. They will initially host Australia for three-Test matches followed by a T20 game in October. The team will then play against New Zealand. The tour will contain three-Test, five ODIs and three T20Is in November. The PCB also requested Cricket Australia to play a T20I in Pakistan.
NZ Players Association Still Unsure
Although the board are considering the request made by PCB, the players association are still unsure over the security in the country.
Pakistan Cricket Board are making their best efforts to push other countries to play in Pakistan. However, chief executive, Heath Mills said a decision over touring Pakistan should be made independently of what has happened recently.
“The players are very good at playing cricket, but they are certainly not security experts,” he said.
“We need to understand what’s happening there and get information about security plans and the risks involved.”
