IPL 2023 Takes Priority As New Zealand Stars Opt Out Of Pakistan Tour
New Zealand will tour Pakistan in April [Source: Twitter]
New Zealand's forthcoming tour to Pakistan for a series of five T20Is and as many ODIs from April 14 to May 7, 2023, has been the topic of much discussion in cricketing circles. The tour is set to clash with the highly anticipated 16th edition of the Indian Premier League, which is set to commence on March 31 in Ahmedabad.
As a result, some of the top New Zealand players, such as Kane Williamson, Tim Southee, Devon Conway, and Mitchell Santner, have been granted permission to participate in IPL 2023. These players have been released from the ongoing Sri Lanka tour and will join their respective IPL teams ahead of the commencement of the cricketing extravaganza.
Moreover, Finn Allen, Lockie Ferguson, and Glenn Phillips will also be joining their squads after the conclusion of the ongoing series against Sri Lanka. Additionally, Trent Boult will also be unavailable for the Pakistan tour due to his involvement in the upcoming IPL.
So, it is quite apparent that the primary New Zealand squad will not be participating in the Pakistan tour and will instead be focusing on the cash-rich league.
Earlier this year, a complete New Zealand team traveled to Pakistan and played three ODIs, winning the series by a margin of 2-1. The two teams also locked horns in a two-match Test series, both of which resulted in a draw.
It is expected that NZC will announce the squad for the upcoming Pakistan tour during the ongoing series against Sri Lanka.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan cricket team is set to play three T20Is against Afghanistan in Sharjah. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to rest several of its regular players, including captain Babar Azam, for the series which is slated to commence on Friday, March 24.
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