New Zealand allow players to choose between IPL 2023 and Pakistan tour

New Zealand players in action (PC: Twitter)

The New Zealand cricket team is slated to tour Pakistan in two phases, once between December 2022 and January 2023, and then again between April and May next year. Notably, the December trip will mark New Zealand’s first tour to the country since December 2003, i.e., after a gap of 19 years.

The Black Caps will be playing two Tests and three ODIs in their first phase, where the Tests will be constituting a part of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship cycle. They will return in mid-April next year for a series of five T20Is and five ODIs. Meanwhile, the latter of the two phases will also be colliding with IPL 2023 season, where several New Zealand players are signed up to participate for their respective franchises.

New Zealand cricket chief leaves decision up to players

New Zealand Cricket CEO, David White, recently stated that the board has given their players the right to choose between honouring national commitments in Pakistan or to participate in IPL 2023 in India.

While speaking with the media, White said:

“As of our understanding, our full-strength side will go to Pakistan. I haven’t talked to players and their associations further in this regard. But, players will be allowed to play in IPL. They will be free to make a choice between IPL and Pakistan tour.”

Players like Kane Williamson, Trent Boult, Jimmy Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Lockie Ferguson are all first-choice New Zealand players, who also have active presence in the IPL. They will be expected to make their stance clear ahead of the selection meetings for Pakistan tour next year.

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