REVEALED: Pakistan Has Taken A ‘Big Decision’ Regarding Their Series With New Zealand: Cricket is a strategic game that calls for thoughtful planning on and off the field. Recently, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced a significant strategic decision, showing its commitment to prepare the national team for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2024. In a bid to provide the best preparation opportunities, the PCB confirmed that Pakistan’s men’s side will play an additional 10 T20Is against New Zealand during the 2023-24 season.
To make this ambitious plan feasible, Pakistan has postponed a two-match home Test series against the West Indies until 2025. This postponement creates a window for the New Zealand series, further cementing the strategic shift towards T20 preparation. Consequently, the series against the West Indies will be a year later than initially planned.
After three ICC World Test Championship matches in Australia from 14 December to 7 January, Pakistan will embark on a journey to New Zealand. This journey will mark the start of their T20 World Cup preparations, with five T20Is scheduled from 12-21 January. In April 2024, New Zealand will reciprocate with a return visit to Pakistan for five additional T20Is. Details of these series will be announced in due time.
REVEALED: Pakistan Has Taken A ‘Big Decision’ Regarding Their Series With New Zealand
These extra series ensure that leading up to the T20 World Cup in June 2024, Pakistan will play a total of 19 T20Is. These include 10 against New Zealand, three against the Netherlands, two against Ireland, and four against England. The World Cup will be co-hosted by the West Indies and the USA, setting the stage for a thrilling tournament.
To accommodate these additional T20Is, PCB, in consultation with Cricket West Indies and New Zealand Cricket, made slight modifications to the Future Tours Programme for 2023-2025. These changes reflect the shifting priorities and strategies of the PCB as they prepare for the upcoming T20 World Cup.
Among these changes, the two ICC World Test Championship fixtures against the West Indies, initially set to take place in Pakistan in February 2024, have been rescheduled for January 2025. Moreover, Pakistan’s tour to New Zealand, originally set for January 2025, has been moved to April 2025. This tour will include three ODIs and five T20Is, further expanding Pakistan’s international cricketing engagement.
In conclusion, the PCB‘s strategic decision underscores the significance of proper preparation for international tournaments. The additional T20I series against New Zealand is a substantial step in this direction. It not only ensures Pakistan’s readiness for the T20 World Cup but also strengthens international cricket ties. As cricket fans worldwide await the upcoming matches, the PCB’s strategic changes promise a thrilling build-up to the much-anticipated T20 World Cup 2024.
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