New Zealand’s Pakistan tour awaits NZC security contingent’s approval
The security contingent of The New Zealand Cricket Board (NZC) is expected to travel to Pakistan next month on to decide the future of the series to be played between the two nations. The report of the security contingent will be the aspect that would decide whether or not the Kiwis will tour the nation for a bilateral series.
Previously, the New Zealand Cricket (NZC) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) were involved in talks on the staging of the bilateral series between the two nations. David White, the Chief Executive of New Zealand Cricket had asserted about the developments.
“Our intention is to tour Pakistan, and we’re working through that with [the PCB], and Government agencies. All going well, ensuring that we satisfy all the security arrangements which I’m confident we will do, we will be touring Pakistan,” he was quoted as saying by Cricfit
As per the sources, the NZC has now approached Rig Dickson, who is a security expert to oversee this matter. He would be analyzing the preparations in Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi during his visit, as reported by Cricket Pakistan. This tour is looked upon as the preparatory ploy for the upcoming T20 World Cup. New Zealand however had last toured Pakistan back in the year 2003 wherein they were whitewashed in the ODI series.
Pakistan is raring to make an impact against the West Indies
Pakistan is all set to lock horns against the West Indies in the second T20I on Saturday, July 31. The first T20I between the nations had been washed out due to rain. West Indies though lost the ODI series to Australia, they had won the T20I series 4-1 against the visitors. The team showed great character to clinch the series.
Pakistan had a disappointing outing in England in the white ball series and would be keen to turn it around this time. Babar Azam will have a great responsibility on his shoulder to hold the fort of the team and put up a good show with the willow. Their performances against England brought them under the scanner and the team would be keen to bring some shift in fortunes this time around.