The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially announced New Zealand’s upcoming tour of Pakistan, featuring five T20I matches scheduled for April. New Zealand’s team is set to arrive in Islamabad on April 14, commencing the series with three matches in Rawalpindi from April 18 to 21. Subsequently, they will play two more matches at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on April 25 and 27.

New Zealand’s key players face IPL clash in Pakistan tour

Confirmation of the tour came after a security delegation visited Pakistan in February, a standard procedure for several countries, including Australia and New Zealand. Notably, this marks New Zealand’s third visit to Pakistan since December 2022. They previously engaged in a series comprising two Tests and three ODIs at the beginning of that year, followed by a return in April 2023 for ten white-ball matches – including five T20Is and five ODIs.

The series in April clashes with the Indian Premier League, potentially sidelining key New Zealand T20 players including Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner, Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, Trent Boult, Glenn Phillips, and Lockie Ferguson.

Pakistan-New Zealand cricket diplomacy: unveiling the 2024 tour schedule

This marks New Zealand’s final international fixture before the T20 World Cup in June, also initiating Pakistan’s sequence of 12 T20Is leading up to the tournament.

“In a testament to the enduring camaraderie between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and New Zealand Cricket (NZC), we are pleased to unveil the schedule for New Zealand men’s team tour to Pakistan 2024,” stated Usman Wahla, the PCB’s director of international cricket. “This tour epitomizes the profound ties and mutual respect that characterize the relationship between our cricketing nations.

“Our passionate cricket fans and the people of Pakistan eagerly await the return of the New Zealand team, anticipating another fiercely competitive series, integral to our preparations for this year’s ICC T20 World Cup.”

Taking place shortly after the holy month of Ramadan and the Eid holidays, matches will commence at their customary time of 7pm local time. The final stages of the PSL have necessitated a later start due to Ramadan, with games beginning at 9pm.

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Schedule of T20I Series: Pakistan vs New Zealand

April 18 – First T20I in Rawalpindi

April 20 – Second T20I in Rawalpindi

April 21 – Third T20I in Rawalpindi

April 25 – Fourth T20I in Lahore

April 27 – Fifth T20I in Lahore