ISLAMABAD: New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has expressed its interest in playing a One-Day International (ODI) series against Pakistan next year, according to sources cited by a Pakistani news channel.
The proposed series, which would be held in New Zealand, could consist of either five T20Is or three ODI matches. The discussions indicate that the series may begin in the second week of January, as New Zealand has a free window before its home series against South Africa in February.
New Zealand has offered to host the series following the conclusion of Pakistan’s tour of Australia in January 2024, with the three-match Test series concluding on January 7.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will discuss the proposal with its stakeholders, and a final decision on the tour is expected to be made within the next few days.
PCB new selection committee
In related news, the chairman of the PCB Management Committee, Najam Sethi, revealed the members of the new selection panel for the national men’s side. The committee includes Chief Selector Haroon Rasheed, Team Director Mickey Arthur, Head Coach Grant Bradburn, and Data Analyst Hassan Cheema.
The PCB aims to incorporate data analysis in its selection process, with Hassan Cheema being an expert in this field. Haroon Rasheed, a former cricketer, previously served as chief selector in 2015-16. Mickey Arthur has a successful coaching tenure with Pakistan, including leading the team to the No. 1 rankings in Tests and T20Is and winning the ICC Champions Trophy in 2017.
Grant Bradburn has been appointed as the head coach of the national men’s side for a period of two years, having previously served as a consultant during the home series against New Zealand.
The developments regarding the proposed ODI series and the appointment of the selection panel highlight the ongoing efforts of the PCB to strengthen Pakistan’s cricketing prospects and enhance its performance on the international stage.
