Pakistan have decided to play a series of intra-squad matches in Queenstown from December 10-13, instead of the scheduled four-day encounter between Shaheens and New Zealand A.

According to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the decision was taken inorder to maximise the squad’s preparation, ahead of the T20I and Test series against the home side, which is facing delays due to their Managed Isolation and Quarantine (MIQ) and the eight positive Covid-19 cases.  

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) is also supportive of this decision by the PCB, according to an official statement.

Pakistan’s senior side and Shaheens will move to Queenstown on December 8 but every player will need the local health ministry's approval before travelling. Also, both squads will stay in separate hotels.

On December 14, the Pakistan Shaheens will depart for Whangārei, while the following day the senior team will leave for Auckland.

It must be noted that the only four-day match between Shaheens and New Zealand A will now commence on December 17, while the first T20I between Pakistan and New Zealand will be played on December 18.