New Zealand to play five ODIs in Pakistan

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) have accepted the Pakistan board's proposal to play five one-day internationals in Pakistan in November, during the holy month of Ramadan. The five-match series will replace the aborted Karachi Test in May 2002, which was called off after a bomb went off near the hotel where the New Zealand team was staying.

Pakistan have been unable to host a single home series since the September 11 tragedy and the ensuing conflict in Afghanistan, with most international tours being shifted to neutral venues. The series against Australia had to be shifted to Kenya, Sri Lanka and Sharjah due to security concerns. Earlier in the year, the West Indies tour was also moved to Sharjah. These changes meant that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) lost out on lucrative sponsorship deals, while cricket fans in Pakistan were deprived of international cricket at home.

Rameez Raja, the chief executive of the PCB, expressed his delight on the NZC decision. "We are delighted with the news because it would open doors for international teams to resume tours to Pakistan more regularly. We are already hosting Bangladesh and South Africa between August and October but the tour by the Black Caps will be significant as they were the last team to come to Pakistan before their tour was curtailed because of reasons beyond PCB's control."

New Zealand's acceptance of the five-match series means that Pakistan will host six Tests and 13 one-day internationals between August and November. Bangladesh are due to play three Tests and five ODIs in August, while South Africa will tour immediately thereafter for three Tests and as many ODIs.

However, all eyes of local fans are still focussed on how soon cricketing ties resume between Pakistan and India. Both boards have agreed to Pakistan hosting a three-Test series early next year. However, the tour will go ahead only if the Indian government responds favourably to the proposal.