Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Monday (December 20) confirmed that New Zealand will tour Pakistan for two Tests and three ODIs in December/January 2022-23 as part of the Future Tours Programme and will return in April 2023 for 10 white-ball matches to make-up for this year’s abandoned tour.
New Zealand had pulled out of their Pakistan tour in September due to a “security alert” from their government. They were scheduled to play three ODIs and five T20Is across Rawalpindi and Lahore.
New Zealand’s tour in April 2023 comprises five ODIs and as many T20Is. The dates and venues for the two separate tours have not been determined yet.
“The arrangement was finalised following meetings and discussions between the PCB and NZC Chairpersons Mr Ramiz Raja and Mr Martin Snedden, respectively,” PCB said in a media release.
“The two Tests and three ODIs will be part of the ICC World Test Championship and ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League, respectively, while the second visit will include two additional ODIs and will now comprise five ODIs and five T20Is that will count towards the ICC Rankings.”
“With details of the tours and matches now confirmed, the two boards will continue to work together to finalise the series dates, which will be announced in due course,” it added.
PCB Chairman Ramiz Raja: “I am pleased with the outcomes of our discussions and negotiations, and thank Martin Snedden and his board for their understanding and support. This reflects the strong, cordial and historic relations the two boards have and reconfirms Pakistan’s status as an important member of the cricket fraternity.”
NZC Chief Executive David White: “Our respective chairmen, Ramiz Raja and Martin Snedden, had very fruitful and constructive discussions while in Dubai, further strengthening the bond between the two organisations. It’s good to be going back.”
The latest announcement means Pakistan will host 8 Tests, 11 ODIs and 13 T20Is against Australia, England and New Zealand in the period from March 2022 to April 2023.
(With PCB inputs)
