New Zealand set for twin tours of Pakistan

LAHORE: New Zealand will tour Pakistan twice from late December, the Pakistan Cricket Board said on Monday, more than a year after abandoning a series there over security concerns.

Pakistan authorities fumed after New Zealand abruptly withdrew from their first tour of the country in nearly two decades, minutes before the start of the first one-day international in Rawalpindi in September last year over security concerns, prompting England to follow suit.

The Black Caps will be the third major side to tour the country this year after Australia played a full series in March-April and England completed their first tour of Pakistan in 17 years earlier this month, playing seven Twenty20 internationals.

England also return to play three Tests in December, part of Pakistan’s efforts to revive international cricket in the country after it was suspended following terrorist attacks on the Sri Lankan team in 2009.

Karachi and Multan to hold Tests during first leg of the tour

New Zealand will play two Tests and three One-day Internationals on their tour of Pakistan in December, before returning to the country next April for five Twenty20 internationals and five ODIs.

“We had promised our passionate fans that we will deliver high-quality home international cricket in 2022,” Zakir Khan, PCB director of international cricket said in a statement.

“Today’s announcement of New Zealand’s double visit to Pakistan is part of that commitment. New Zealand is one of the high-performing sides and will provide opportunities to our youngsters to continue to watch and follow their favourite players in action.”

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson said he was looking forward to playing in Pakistan

“It’s really exciting to be playing cricket back in Pakistan,” Williamson said in a video shared by the PCB. “... such a rich cricketing history, so many incredible matches that have been played there and it’s fantastic to see it back.

“We’re really looking forward to that experience. Pakistan as a team are formidable in all formats and have been for a long time so we always know it’s a tough task but it’s something we’re really looking forward to.”

In the first leg of the tour, New Zealand play Tests in Karachi (Dec. 27-31) and Multan (Jan. 4-8) before returning to Karachi for three ICC World Cup Super League matches between Jan 11-15.

They begin the second leg of the tour in Karachi with four T20Is in April before the fifth game and two ODIs in Lahore. The last three ODIs will be played in Rawalpindi in May.

“The recent tours from Australia and England have left us in no doubt regarding the quality of the Pakistan side across all formats and the extent of the challenge that awaits us,” said David White, New Zealand Cricket chief executive.

Itinerary of New Zealand’s tours of Pakistan:

First leg:

December 27-31: First Test (Karachi).

January 4-8: Second Test (Multan).

January 11: First One-day International (Karachi).

January 13: Second One-day International (Karachi).

January 15: Third One-day International (Karachi).

Second Leg:

April 13: First Twenty20 International (Karachi).

April 15: Second Twenty20 International (Karachi).

April 16: Third Twenty20 International (Karachi).

April 19: Fourth Twenty20 International (Karachi).