Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ramiz Raja has confirmed the national cricket team's participation in the tri-nation T20I series in New Zealand ahead of the October World Cup starting in Australia.
In an exclusive online interview with a group of senior sports journalists ('The News' included) Saturday, Ramiz said that the PCB has given the go-ahead for the tri-nation series that also includes Bangladesh, reports agency. "After receiving confirmation dates from the touring England side that is due here in Pakistan on September 15, we have confirmed our participation in the tri-nation series to be hosted by Cricket New Zealand. I wanted my team to play a few internationals more or less amid Australian environments, ahead of the World Cup. Now the team will be having a good opportunity to test their combination and leading players' form during the tri-nation series in New Zealand," he said.
Pakistan is expected to leave for New Zealand on October 4 to figure in the double header series. The two top finishers will then go on to play the final. NZ Cricket is expected to announce the schedule soon.The PCB chairman has also decided to hire Matthew Hayden for the World Cup while batting coach Mohammad Yousaf will also accompany the team as the batting coach. Hayden will join the team in New Zealand.Saqlain Mushtaq will continue as the team head coach till the completion of his contract. "Saqlain will be there as head coach till the completion of one year. He possibly would not be in a position to continue following a one year stint more due to his domestic engagements and priorities," Ramiz said.
England has already confirmed arriving in Pakistan to play a seven-match T-20 series in Pakistan.Ramiz during his interaction with journalists also hinted that some leading venues--Lahore and Karachi might host matches."We are sorry for Multan but the venue will be adjusted for the Test series coming up."
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