Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Tuesday (December 13) released the complete schedule for New Zealand’s upcoming tour of Pakistan, comprising two Tests and three ODIs.
According to the itinerary, the Test series will get underway in Karachi on December 26 while the second Test will be held in Multan from January 3.
The ODIs are slated to be played at the National Stadium in Karachi on January 10, 12 and 14.
“Pakistan Cricket Board and New Zealand Cricket have mutually agreed to bring forward the tour of New Zealand men’s side to Pakistan by a day,” PCB said in a statement.
The Kiwis were due to play three ODIs and five T20Is in Pakistan last year but they returned from Rawalpindi without playing any match, citing securing concerns.
While New Zealand pulling out of the tour was a setback for Pakistan cricket, they have managed to host big teams this year. Earlier this year, Pakistan hosted Australia in three Tests, three ODIs and one T20I. They also played seven T20Is against England at home in October and are currently playing a Test series against the Three Lions.
Notably, major teams like Australia, England and New Zealand were refusing to tour Pakistan due to security concerns after the terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore in March 2009.
New Zealand’s tour of Pakistan Schedule:
First Test – 26-30 December, Karachi
Second Test – 3-7 January, Multan
First ODI – 10 January, Karachi
Second ODI – 12 January, Karachi
Third ODI – 14 January, Karachi