New Zealand Announces 2024/25 Home Season Schedule
The New Zealand Cricket Board has officially unveiled the home season schedule for 2024/25. The Blackcaps are set to host Pakistan in a bilateral series, which includes a five-match T20I series and a three-match ODI series in March-April. This series is expected to coincide with the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season.
New Zealand’s Pakistan Tour During IPL 2024
Earlier this year, during the IPL 2024 season, New Zealand traveled to Pakistan for a five-match T20I series. However, several first-team players with IPL contracts opted to play for their franchises instead, resulting in New Zealand fielding a second-string team against Pakistan. This decision highlighted the growing influence of franchise cricket on international schedules.
Test Series Against England
As part of the World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, New Zealand will also host a three-match Test series against England in November-December. This series is crucial for both teams as they seek to secure valuable points in the WTC standings.
Sri Lanka’s White-Ball Series Tour
In addition to playing Pakistan and England, New Zealand will welcome Sri Lanka for a white-ball series. The series will consist of a three-match T20I series and a three-match ODI series, adding more excitement to the packed home season.
Impact of Franchise Cricket on Central Contracts
Star players like Kane Williamson and Lockie Ferguson have declined central contracts from New Zealand Cricket to pursue franchise cricket opportunities globally. Williamson explained his decision, stating, “Pursuing an overseas opportunity during the New Zealand summer means I’m unable to accept a central contract offer.”
Tom Latham on Changing Dynamics
Tom Latham, another prominent New Zealand player, shared his views on the evolving landscape of cricket in the country. “(I) Think at the moment, where cricket’s going in New Zealand is slightly different. It’s certainly not a black-and-white situation, and certainly changing with all these leagues popping up,” Latham told ESPNcricinfo.
He acknowledged the need for flexibility, stating, “We’ve got a lot of cricket in the summer (and) got an ICC pinnacle event (the Champions Trophy) which is exciting to look forward to. So whether it be with different personnel, whether it be with the guys we are used to having, whenever we can have them I’m sure that will be great, but think we’ve certainly got to be pretty fluid with what things look like in the future.”
Looking Ahead
New Zealand’s 2024/25 home season promises to be eventful with significant series against Pakistan, England, and Sri Lanka. The increasing influence of franchise cricket continues to shape team selections and player availability, making the future of international cricket in New Zealand a dynamic and evolving scenario.(online casino)