Karachi: New Zealand Cricket (NZC) is positive about touring Pakistan for the first time in 18 years, reports suggested.
According to stuff.co.nz, NZC is keeping an open mind about a reciprocal tour of Pakistan next year but is yet to commit.
Pakistan is scheduled to host the Black Caps for three ODIs and three T20Is in September under the Future Tours Programme (FTP)
After the Black Caps tour, England will play two T20Is in Karachi as they confirmed the tour a few weeks back.
Read: England to tour Pakistan for two T20Is in October 2021
NZC public affairs manager Richard Boock said the Black Caps were locked in for that series, but venues of the series are yet to be finalized.
“Regarding location, nothing’s been decided yet but we do note the decision of England and are keeping an open mind on the issue,” he said.
“We’re yet to discuss this matter with the players or players association – so have no set position at this point,” he added.
New Zealand Cricket Players’ Association Chief Executive Heath Mills said a comprehensive security assessment would be required before confirming the tour.
“Yes, absolutely we need to be looking at it and considering touring there [Pakistan] again, there’s no question about that, but as always we’re expressing caution: what does that involve, is it one or two games or is it a full tour, how many cities are involved and what is the risk in each place?” said Mills.
New Zealand last toured Pakistan in 2003, where they suffered a 5-0 whitewash in the ODI series. They declined an invitation to play two T20Is in 2018 after some played expressed reservations on security advice.
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