LAHORE: Former men cricketers and members of the current women's national team have expressed their thrill and excitement over arrival of New Zealand men's national cricket team for their historic tour after 18 years.
The Black Caps are scheduled to play three One-Day Internationals and five T20 Internationals at Rawalpindi and Lahore. This is their first tour since 2003, when they were beaten 5-0 by the hosts in an ODI series.
Former Test captain Rashid Latif said, "The series is a great opportunity for young Pakistan players to express their talent. I am sure fans will turn up to the stadiums in Rawalpindi and Lahore to witness exciting matches between both sides."
Wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal said, "Witnessing international stars playing in front of them brings joy to the faces of the fans and I am hopeful the series will help promote the game in Pakistan."
Saqlain, Razzaq step in as Misbah, Waqar step down as coaches
Women's team all-rounder Nida Dar said, "I am looking forward to what promises to be exciting series. My well-wishes are with the men in green and I am sure they will do well."
National women's team captain Javeria Khan said, "I am backing Babar Azam and his team to win."
Former Test cricketer and national U-19 coach Ijaz Ahmed: "The tour of New Zealand is another step forward towards the complete resumption of international cricket in Pakistan. After New Zealand, England is due to visit next month here, which is fantastic for the cricket fans."
Former Test cricketer Yasir Hameed said, "It is really great to see New Zealand coming to Pakistan after Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe and South Africa made successful tours recently. New Zealand is a tough side and I am looking forward to competitive cricket."
Moreover, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and New Zealand Cricket have mutually agreed to change the status of next week's ODI series to a bilateral series from the ICC Cricket World Cup Super League fixtures due to the non-availability of Decision Review System (DRS), a requirement in the event playing conditions.
Further, Bookme.pk has been appointed as the PCB's ticketing services provider for a two-year period from next week's ODI series against Pakistan and New Zealand. Through this partnership, Bookme.pk will also be responsible for selling tickets for next month's men's and women's series between Pakistan and England, West Indies' December tour of Pakistan and visits by Australia, New Zealand and England in 2022.
Cricket New Zealand approves team's tour to Pakistan after security check
The 2022 and 2023 HBL Pakistan Super Leagues, as well as men's and women's competitions in Pakistan domestic cricket 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons are also covered in the agreement.
Meanwhile, the PCB has announced that tickets for the ODIs and five-match T20I series are available for sale from Saturday. The tickets for the ODIs range between Rs2000 and Rs1000, while ticket prices for T20Is have been fixed from Rs3000 to Rs500.
PCB Chief Operating Officer Salman Naseer said, "We have entered into a strategic agreement with Bookme.pk which covers the action packed home cricket season, domestic and women's cricket for the next two years. While at this stage we can only accommodate 25 percent fans, we are hopeful of providing more opportunities for fans to witness live action in near future. The partnership with Bookme.pk will surely help both parties in the longer run, especially once we have overcome the Covid-19 pandemic related challenges, as we keenly look forward to hosting England, the West Indies, the HBL Pakistan Super League and the tour of Australia is what promises to be an absolutely enthralling 2021-22 home cricket season.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2021
Comments
Comments are closed.