Sources say series, which will be played in New Zealand, could comprise of five T20Is or three ODI matches
LAHORE
New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has shown interest in scheduling a white-ball series against Pakistan in early 2024, to be held in New Zealand.
According to a media report, the proposed series could consist of either five T20 Internationals (T20Is) or three One Day Internationals (ODIs).
NZC has suggested that the series take place after Pakistan’s tour of Australia, which is set to conclude in January 2024.
Following the conclusion of the three-match Test series between Pakistan and Australia on January 7, 2024, the series between Pakistan and New Zealand could commence in the second week of January. This timing works well for New Zealand as they have a vacant period before their home series against South Africa in February.
Before finalizing the tour, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will deliberate on the proposal with its stakeholders. A decision on the tour is expected to be reached within the next few days.
PCB selection committee members
Earlier, the chairman of the PCB Management Committee, Najam Sethi, revealed the members of the new selection panel for the national men’s side.
While speaking in an interview with BBC Urdu, Sethi said that the committee will include Chief Selector Haroon Rasheed, Team Director Mickey Arthur, Head Coach Grant Bradburn and Data Analyst Hassan Cheema.
“We want to use incorporate data in our selection and Hassan is an expert in this field,” Sethi added.
Cheema is currently the strategy manager for Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Islamabad United.
Haroon featured in 23 Tests and 12 ODIs from 1977 to 1983 and was also the chief selector in 2015-16.
Arthur is part of the coaching staff for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, away tour to Australia and home series against the West Indies. He will also be present with the side for Pakistan’s matches against India in the ACC Asia Cup.
During his time from 2016 to 2019, Arthur coached Pakistan to No.1 in Tests and T20Is, and also helped the side to win the ICC Champions Trophy 2017.
The PCB also confirmed the appointment of Grant Bradburn as head coach of the national men’s side on Saturday for a period of two years last week.
Bradburn also served as the head coach, on consultancy basis, of the Pakistan team during the recently-concluded home series against New Zealand.
