Key points
- Pakistan to play five T20Is and three ODIs during New Zealand tour
- Series set for March 16 to April 5
- Concerns over poor Champions Trophy performance raise alarm for PCB officials
Islamabad: Senior players of the Pakistan cricket team, including Mohammad Rizwan, Babar Azam, and Shaheen Afridi, are expected to be rested for the upcoming tour of New Zealand.
This decision follows Pakistan’s disappointing performance in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Senior players themselves requested a break from the series, according to media reports.
As a result of the key players’ absence, Pakistan’s captain for the tour has yet to be confirmed.
Fresh talent
The squad is anticipated to include several new faces, offering opportunities for fresh talent in place of the senior players.
The series between Pakistan and New Zealand will take place from 16 March to 5 April, featuring five T20Is and three ODIs.
The T20I series will begin in Christchurch on 16 March, with the second match set for Dunedin on 18 March. The third match will be in Auckland on 21 March, followed by games in Mount Maunganui and Wellington on 23 and 26 March, respectively.
After the T20I series, the teams will head to Napier for the first ODI on 29 March. The second ODI will take place on 2 April in Hamilton, and the final ODI will be hosted in Mount Maunganui on 5 April.
