The New Zealand cricket team arrived early Sunday morning for a five-match T20 series against Pakistan, with the first game scheduled at Pindi Stadium on April 18.
This marks New Zealand’s third visit to Pakistan in just over a year, having previously participated in Test and ODI series.
Comprising 15 players and 10 officials, the New Zealand squad was accorded high-level security akin to VVIPs, with escorts from the airport to their hotel in Islamabad.
Sunday is designated for complete rest for the team members, with training set to commence from Monday evening at Islamabad Club Cricket Ground and later at Pindi Stadium.
Prior to departure, the New Zealand team encountered setbacks with injuries during the final stages of their training sessions. Finn Allen (back injury) and Adam Milne (ankle injury) have been sidelined for the five-match T20 series against Pakistan. In response, wicketkeeper-batsman Tom Blundell and all-rounder Zak Foulkes have been drafted into the squad as replacements.
Furthermore, nine prominent New Zealand cricketers are currently engaged in the IPL in India, including Trent Boult, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitch Santner, and Kane Williamson. None of them have been instructed or requested to join the team for the Pakistan series. Similarly, Will Young is occupied with Nottinghamshire, Tom Latham is attending to family matters with the imminent arrival of his child, and Tim Southee is resting as part of workload management.
Squad:
Michael Bracewell (c), Tom Blundell (WK), Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Dean Foxcroft, Ben Lister, Cole McConchie, Jimmy Neesham, Will O’Rourke*, Tim Robinson, Ben Sears, Tim Seifert (WK), Ish Sodhi
Staff members; Simon Insley (Manager), Matt Long (S&C), Gary Stead (Head Coach), Luke Ronchi (Batting Coach), James Foster (assistant coach), Brendon Donkers (Bowling Coach), Pat McHugh (Doctor), Gavin Cross (Physio), Terry Minish (Security).
