PCB releases tri-series schedule for New Zealand

Ahead of the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia, Babar Azam's side are set to leave for New Zealand at the start of October for the tri-series between Pakistan, New Zealand and Bangladesh. 

The tri-series will include seven games, including the finals. Pakistan will treat the series as an opportunity to prepare for the T20 World Cup and the epic clash on 23 October against their arch-rivals, India.

The Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Ramiz Raja, has confirmed the tri-nation series, and he believes this series would be excellent for their T20 World Cup preparations. The series would allow the team to familiarise themselves with the conditions of Australia, as they are similar to that of New Zealand. 

"Before the 1992 World Cup, the side had arrived in Australia a month ago, and we had ample opportunity to prepare for matches by playing against the local teams. I was behind the board's international department to somehow find a way that our team can play six to seven games before the World Cup. The pitches in New Zealand also have bounce and pace. And the side will benefit from playing matches there," said Raja. 

All seven matches are scheduled at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch. Also, all three teams will play four games to decide the finalists of the tri-series. This event was proposed by the New Zealand Cricket Board back in May. 

After missing the 2020-21 series due to a thumb injury, this will be Babar Azam's first T20I appearance in New Zealand since the beginning of 2018.

On the upcoming tri-nation, the Pakistan skipper had his say, "I am pleased that we will be featuring in the tri-series in New Zealand, as it will help us to arrive early, and not only acclimatize for the T20 World Cup in Australia but also give final touches to our preparations. I missed the last series in New Zealand due to a thumb injury. And I look forward to playing cricket in Christchurch against two good oppositions." 

Meanwhile, Pakistan will be hosting England for seven T20Is from 15 September before the tri-nation series.

Tri-series schedule:

8 October – New Zealand v Bangladesh, Hagley Oval, Christchurch 

9 October – Pakistan v New Zealand, Hagley Oval, Christchurch

10 October – Bangladesh v Pakistan, Hagley Oval, Christchurch 

11 October – New Zealand v Bangladesh, Hagley Oval, Christchurch 

12 October – Bangladesh v Pakistan, Hagley Oval, Christchurch 

13 October – New Zealand v Pakistan, Hagley Oval, Christchurch

14 October – The Final, Hagley Oval, Christchurch