Pak vs NZ: Govt approves 'extraordinary' security plan for New Zealand tour
New Zealand's tour to Pakistan was cut short in 2002 after a bomb explosion outside the team's hotel in Karachi
- New Zealand's tour to Pakistan was cut short in 2002 after a bomb explosion outside the team's hotel.
- "Extraordinary security" will be provided to the New Zealand team, Fawad Chaudhry says.
- New Zealand will play three ODIs and five T20Is on their first visit to Pakistan after 18 years.
The federal cabinet on Tuesday approved the security plan for New Zealand's tour of Pakistan, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry said, as the Kiwis visit after an 18-year hiatus.
New Zealand's tour to Pakistan was cut short in 2002 after a bomb explosion outside the team's hotel in Karachi. The Kiwis played a one-day series in 2003, but there have been no tours to Pakistan since.
The federal minister said "extraordinary" security would be provided to the New Zealand team, as an unfortunate incident had occurred during their tour to Pakistan "last time".
Moreover, Chief Selector Muhammad Waseem on Monday announced Pakistan's squad for the upcoming ICC Men's T20 Cricket World Cup, which is scheduled to take place from October 17.
Waseem announced a 15-man squad, with three players selected as reserves. The same team will play the home series against New Zealand and England in the coming weeks.
The 15-man squad
Babar Azam (captain), Shadab Khan (vice-captain), Asif Ali, Azam Khan (wicketkeeper), Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Imad Wasim, Khushdil Shah,
Mohammad Hafeez, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sohaib Maqsood
Traveling reserves — Fakhar Zaman, Shahnawaz Dahani, and Usman Qadir
Schedule
In an extended series, New Zealand will play three ODIs and five T20Is on their first visit to Pakistan after 18 years.
The three ODIs will be part of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League ODIs, confirmed both boards.
Rawalpindi’s Pindi Cricket Stadium will be the venue of the 17, 19, and 21 September ODIs, while the iconic Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore will stage the five T20Is from September 25 to October 3.