Sources have revealed that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has agreed to play a white-ball series against New Zealand next year. The series is likely to be held in New Zealand and may consist of either five Twenty20 International (T20I) matches or three One Day Internationals (ODIs).
New Zealand has offered to host the series after Pakistan’s tour of Australia, which is scheduled to conclude in January 2024. The three-match Test series between Pakistan and Australia will end on January 7.
The proposed series between Pakistan and New Zealand is expected to commence in the second week of January since New Zealand has a vacant window before their home series against South Africa in February. In April-May, New Zealand visited Pakistan for a five-match ODI series and five T20Is.
During that tour, Pakistan dominated the ODI series, winning it 4-1. However, New Zealand surprised the hosts by drawing the five-match T20 series 2-2 despite missing eight players, including captain Kane Williamson, due to the Indian Premier League or injuries. Led by stand-in captain Tom Latham, New Zealand adapted well to the conditions, staging a comeback from being 2-0 down to win the third and fifth matches. The fourth match was abandoned due to rain.
The tour served as compensation for New Zealand canceling their visit to Pakistan on the day of the first game in September 2021, citing security concerns. In December-January, the Black Caps had played two Tests and three ODIs in Pakistan previously.
