New Zealand’s key players criticized for prioritizing IPL over national duty

Left-arm pacer Junaid Khan has voiced his disappointment over top New Zealand performers prioritizing the Indian Premier League (IPL) over their national team commitments. 

Khan's comments came in light of the exclusion of several key New Zealand players from the upcoming five-match T20I series against Pakistan.

“It's sad to see leagues are being prioritised over the team that gave them all the respect. 11/12 senior [New Zealand] players are not available for an international series,” Junaid posted on social media platform 'X'.

It is worth noting that the New Zealand Cricket (NZC) have announced their 15-member squad for the upcoming five-match T20I series against Pakistan.

Michael Bracewell will lead the New Zealand team for the first time. Bracewell's selection comes after a year sidelined due to a ruptured Achilles followed by a broken finger. 

Trent Boult, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitch Santner, and Kane Williamson were all unable to participate due to their commitments in the ongoing Indian Premier League.

Tim Southee was not included in the selection to allow him an extended period of conditioning after a hectic playing schedule across various formats. Furthermore, Colin Munro was not considered for selection.

The Blackcaps will land in Islamabad on April 14 and are scheduled to play three T20Is at Rawalpindi's Pindi Cricket Stadium on April 18, 20, and 21. Following these matches, the teams will move to Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium for the final two T20Is on April 25 and 27.