With T20 WC preparations in mind, PCB request New Zealand to play two additional T20Is during upcoming tour

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly requested New Zealand to play two extra T20Is on their Pakistan tour due later this year before the ICC T20 World Cup in UAE. As per the current itinerary, the New Zealand team, which will be travelling to the Asian nation for the first time since 2002, is set to play three ODIs and as many T20Is in September-October.

In order to prepare the team better for the approaching T20 World Cup, the PCB is trying to organize short-format series against some top sides, including England and Australia. England is set to travel to Pakistan this October 2021 for two T20Is in what will be their first visit to the nation in 16 years. Further, PCB is confident about hosting West Indies in December, followed by Australia in February-March 2022.

Notably, none of the top teams has travelled to Pakistan owing to security reasons after the infamous terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore in March 2009. Ever since then, cricket came to a standstill in the nation, with UAE deemed Pakistan’s home.

However, international returned to the country with Sri Lanka, and more recently Zimbabwe and South Africa having toured them. Meanwhile, regarding New Zealand playing two additional games, the talks are still in the early stages, with an official confirmation yet to be made. “Yes, negotiations are being held with Cricket New Zealand to play two additional T20 matches because of the World T20 Cup but nothing is finalized as yet,” a source was quoted as saying by News18.com.

England, Australia in line to travel to Pakistan in 2021-22

Earlier this year, PCB CEO Wasim Khan had confirmed the development regarding England and Australia’s visit to Pakistan.

“I am delighted to confirm that England will be touring Pakistan to play two T20Is in October 2021. This will be their first visit to Pakistan for 16 years and will open the door for both Test and white-ball tours in the 2022-23 season.”

The full-strength England squad will arrive at the backend of our home series against New Zealand. We also expect Australia to visit Pakistan for their FTP commitment in the 2021-22 season, with England returning for both Test and white-ball tours in the 2022-23 season,” said PCB Chief Executive Wasim Khan as quoted by Sportstar.