Pakistan's NZ tour to begin on Feb 10

Karachi, July 30: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Sunday said it has confirmed to its New Zealand counterparts that Pakistan cricket team would arrive there on Feb 10 for a three-Test and as many one-day series.

Pakistan board's confirmation was delayed because of the approval of the Indian team's tentative itinerary which they earlier said would run between Dec 26 and Feb 12.

With an affirmation still being awaited from India, the PCB has decided to confirm New Zealand their trip while putting the Indian series on the back burner.

"The Indian series is doubtful. Hence our confirmation to New Zealand," a spokesman of the PCB said.

"If India agrees to tour Pakistan, its itinerary would be rescheduled. But we hope their tour would conclude around Feb 5," the spokesman added.

"New Zealand board wanted confirmation because the rugby season there would commence at the time when Pakistan team is there. Interestingly, rugby matches there are played on Test centres.

Meanwhile, PCB officials were expecting a confirmation of the Indian team's tour by BCCI by Monday.

Yawar Saeed, director of the PCB, said: "We have been told by the BCCI that they are expecting tour approval from the foreign ministry on Monday."