The Pakistan cricket team departed from Lahore Airport via Dubai on Wednesday, bound for Christchurch, New Zealand, for their much-anticipated 2025 white-ball tour. The five-match T20 International (T20I) series kicks off on March 16, followed by three One-Day Internationals (ODIs) ending April 5.
The Pakistan cricket tour features debutants Abdul Samad and Hassan Nawaz, adding fresh energy to the lineup. Vice-captain Shadab Khan said, “I’m excited for my new role and will strive to perform well.” He added, “The young players bring positivity and high energy. We expect great things from the debutants and aim for success.”
White-ball assignment ahead 🏏
Pakistan's T20I squad departs from Lahore for the tour to New Zealand#NZvPAK | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/gA3HvN1YFk
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) March 11, 2025New Zealand’s Strong Lineup
New Zealand has named seven players from their Champions Trophy finalist squad for the series. All-rounder Michael Bracewell will captain the team, setting the stage for a competitive clash. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s T20I squad is led by Salman Ali Agha, with Shadab Khan as vice-captain, while Mohammad Rizwan captains the ODI team.
After his daughter’s health improved, batting consultant Mohammad Yousuf reversed his decision to skip the Pakistan cricket tour. “Doctors confirmed she’s better, so I’m joining the team,” Yousuf said. “It’s a national duty I’m proud to fulfill.” The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed his inclusion on Tuesday.
🎥 Behind the scenes of the pre-departure team photo in Lahore ✅📸#NZvPAK | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/jOHUMlKpd9
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) March 11, 2025This tour follows a 2-2 T20I draw between the two teams in April 2024. With young talent and seasoned leaders, Pakistan hopes to outshine New Zealand. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif may visit Balochistan on Thursday, but the cricket team remains focused on delivering a strong performance.
The schedule for T20I matches and ODI matches is as follows.
Pakistan Vs New Zealand T20I Schedule 2025:
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 16 Mar | First T20I | Hagley Oval, Christchurch |
| 18 Mar | Second T20I | University Oval, Dunedin |
| 21 Mar | Third T20I | Eden Park, Auckland |
| 23 Mar | Fourth T20I | Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui |
| 26 Mar | Fifth T20I | Sky Stadium, Wellington |
Pakistan Vs New Zealand ODI Schedule 2025:
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 29 Mar | First ODI | McLean Park, Napier |
| 2 Apr | Second ODI | Seddon Park, Hamilton |
| 5 Apr | Third ODI | Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui |
