New Zealand to resume int'l cricket season with series against West Indies
Tuesday, 29 September 2020 (19:17 IST)
Christchurch:The international cricket season in New Zealand will get under way with a three-match men's T20I series against West Indies on November 27 at Eden Park, the country's cricket board announced on Tuesday.
Following the T20I series, New Zealand and West Indies will play two Tests as part of the ICC World Test Championship.The series will be followed by visits from Pakistan, Australia and Bangladesh in the upcoming months.
The series against Pakistan will also feature three T20Is, starting December18, followed by two ICC World Test Championship matches, including a Boxing Day Test at Mount Maunganui.
New Zealand's scheduled white-ball tour to Australia in January was postponed last week, but Australia are pencilled in for five T20s in New Zealand from February 22 while Bangladesh to play three one-day internationals and three T20s from March 13.
"I'm thrilled to be making this announcement today, given the uncertainty and difficulties over the past six or seven months. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to the New Zealand government for helping us navigate this complex process,'' said New Zealand Cricket chief executive David White.
"Hosting these tours is incredibly important to us for two reasons: international cricket brings in revenue that funds the entire game of cricket in New Zealand and, also, it's crucial that we look after the fans of the game and sport in general, especially during these difficult times," he added.
New Zealand Cricket also announced the schedule for the Super Smash, with both the men's and women's teams playing on the same days. This tournament will begin on Christmas eve and conclude on February 13.
Meanwhile, the New Zealand women are set to play a series against England Women in February-March, while there are also discussions ongoing with Cricket Australia for the Australia women to visit New Zealand.
