'New Zealand keen on visiting Pakistan next year' - Ramiz Raja

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) are having discussions with Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) about rescheduling the postponed series, confirmed PCB chairman Ramiz Raja. New Zealand had cancelled their Pakistan series hours before the start of the first ODI citing security issues.

After their sudden U-turn, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ramiz Raja and several former Pakistani players came heavily on the New Zealand team. Things though are slightly beginning to change as NZC confirmed that talks are underway between chief executive David White and Ramiz Raja, with New Zealand keen to visit the country before the conclusion of the current future tours cycle in 2023. 

“Good news will be announced within a week,” he was quoted as saying by Geo News. “The PCB may put forward its terms before the NZC by choosing the month of November in 2022 for rescheduling of the recently postponed series.”

Meanwhile, days after New Zealand's cancellation of the Pakistan tour, England too withdrew from their cancelled their Pakistan visit.  Raja, who was not happy with the developments, revealed that he had written a letter to ICC Chairman informing him about Pakistan's reservations against the working of ICC. Raja felt that New Zealand and England's decision to cancel their Pakistan tour was politically motivated.

“I have written a strongly-worded letter to the International Cricket Council chairman where I mentioned that the ICC has become a political wing of the Western bloc and has been reduced to a mere events management company,” informed Ramiz.

“We have one of the best security systems in place,” he said. “ICC-appointed security experts have acknowledged the high level of security accorded to visiting teams. New Zealand haven’t yet shared the details of the threats it reckons its players were facing which is beyond comprehension. Our case at the ICC is very strong.”

However, along with NZC, England too have expressed their willingness to visit Pakistan next year. The Men in Green will next host West Indies in December.