LAHORE: A number of key New Zealand players could miss the T20I series against Pakistan in April due to the Indian Premier League (IPL), according to sources.
Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Lockie Ferguson, Rachin Ravindra and Trent Boult are among the players who would be busy playing IPL when New Zealand tours Pakistan.
The IPL has already unveiled a preliminary schedule featuring the first set of 21 matches scheduled between March 22 and April 7.
The remaining fixture details will be disclosed once the Election Commission of India announces the dates for the national elections, anticipated in April and May.
The IPL final is slated for May 26, with a mere five-day gap preceding the commencement of the men's T20 World Cup in the USA and the Caribbean on June 1.
Meanwhile, New Zealand's tour of Pakistan is set to take place between April 14 and 28 with Lahore and Rawalpindi hosting the five-match series.
Pakistan men’s Future Tours Programme for 2024
April – New Zealand to Pakistan (5 T20Is)
May – Pakistan to the Netherlands (three T20Is), Ireland (two T20Is) and England (four T20Is)
June – ICC Men’s T20 World Cup USA/West Indies 2024
August – Bangladesh in Pakistan (two Tests)
October – England in Pakistan (three Tests)
November – Pakistan to Australia (three ODIs and three T20Is)
November/December – Pakistan to Zimbabwe (three ODIs and three T20Is)
December/January – Pakistan to South Africa (two Tests, three ODIs, three T20Is)
Sohail Imran Sohail Imran is a senior reporter for Geo News.