The Pakistan Super League came to an end earlier this month, as Islamabad United defeated Multan Sultans in a tight summit clash. The league proved to be an audition of sorts for several Pakistan players on the fringes of the national squad, giving them a chance to be selected for the T20 World Cup.
Bet here on IPL 2024 and other cricket matches!
Twenty-nine players have been selected by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to participate in a training camp with the army, and they will be given a chance to impress the selectors during the upcoming T20 series against New Zealand in April and England in May.
Why are New Zealand sending a weakened team for Pakistan series? Which major names are missing from the Kiwis' squad?
Pakistan are yet to announce their final list of players to take part in these bilateral series, but New Zealand announced their squad for the tour on Wednesday. This group of players is markedly different to the one that took on Australia at home earlier this year, with several first-choice players unavailable.
Wicketkeeper Tom Latham will be missing out as he is awaiting the birth of his second child, while Tim Southee's workload is being managed after a gruelling Test series against Australia. In addition, Will Young will be unavailable due to his county commitments in England.
MORE: Five overseas players to watch out for in IPL 2024
Apart from these players, a whole host of squad members will not be part of the series due to their IPL contracts; Trent Boult (RR), Devon Conway (CSK), Lockie Ferguson (RCB), Matt Henry (DC), Daryl Mitchell (CSK), Glenn Phillips (SRH), Rachin Ravindra (CSK), Mitchell Santner (CSK) and Kane Williamson (GT).
This means that this series could be less than ideal for both sides, but New Zealand will at least get a look at some of their younger players. The likes of Tim Robinson, Ben Lister, Cole McConchie and Dean Foxcroft will hope to make a late bid for inclusion in the T20 World Cup side.
After the first match was washed out and Pakistan won the second easily, New Zealand managed to pull off a stunning victory in the third match as Mark Chapman's brilliant 87 helped them chase down 179 in Rawalpindi to secure a 6-wicket win.
If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Learn more >