New Zealand Tour Talks: PCB Plans February Tests
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and New Zealand Cricket (NZC) are holding discussions over the schedule and venues for the Black Caps' New Zealand tour of Pakistan in February-March 2027, sources have told Geo News. New Zealand are scheduled to tour Pakistan in February-March 2027 for a two-match Test series, which will form part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle.
According to sources, both boards are currently discussing the series schedule, with a final announcement expected once consultations have concluded. Geo Super reported the talks on Thursday.
Fitting the New Zealand tour around Ramadan
The scheduling is being planned with the holy month of Ramadan and the commitments of both teams in mind. Sources further indicated that at least one of the two Tests between Pakistan and New Zealand is likely to be played during Ramadan.
The calendar around the tour is tight. New Zealand's scheduled series against Sri Lanka is set to conclude on 16 February in Hamilton, while the 2027 Pakistan Super League (PSL) is due to commence on 18 March, with team activities beginning on 15 March. The two Tests will need to fit into the window between the end of the Sri Lanka series and the start of PSL preparations.
A difficult campaign so far
Pakistan have endured a difficult campaign in the ongoing WTC cycle and currently sit at the bottom of the points table, having registered two wins and suffered seven defeats in nine matches.
The national side recently suffered a disappointing 3-0 Test series defeat against England, with Babar Azam returning as red-ball captain, replacing Shan Masood. The series against New Zealand will be another test of a side that is rebuilding its red-ball identity.
Pakistan have since featured in two white-ball assignments, including a T20I series against Sri Lanka and an ODI tri-series involving England and Sri Lanka. The Green Shirts won both assignments, clinching the T20I series 2-1 under captain Sahibzada Farhan before defeating Sri Lanka in the ODI tri-series final, with Fakhar Zaman playing a starring role.
The Sri Lanka series comes first
Before New Zealand arrive, Pakistan will play Sri Lanka in a two-match Test series at home. Feature Pakistan reported that Pakistan plan a Test shake-up before the Sri Lanka series, with changes expected after the side's poor run in the format. The first Test begins in Rawalpindi on 9 November, with the second in Lahore from 17 to 21 November.
The build-up is under way. Feature Pakistan reported on the Sri Lanka warm-up match against the Patrons XI, and on Pakistan's win over Sri Lanka in the tri-series final in Lahore in October.
The Sri Lanka Tests will show whether the changes work. A good result at home would give Pakistan something to build on before New Zealand arrive in February, while another poor series would increase the pressure on the new leadership.
Off the field, the PCB has also been dealing with player availability for franchise leagues. Feature Pakistan reported that the Abu Dhabi T10 is in doubt as the PCB demands an NOC fee from players, a dispute that affects 16 Pakistan players named in T10 squads.
What happens next
Both boards will continue their discussions, and a final announcement on the schedule and venues is expected once consultations have concluded. Venues have not yet been decided, and the PCB will need to weigh the demands of the home season, the PSL calendar and the Ramadan schedule before confirming the fixtures.
For Pakistan, the tour is a chance to climb off the bottom of the World Test Championship table. For New Zealand, it is a return to a country they last toured for Tests in 2022-23, when the two-match series ended in a draw.
Frequently asked questions
When will New Zealand tour Pakistan?
New Zealand are scheduled to tour Pakistan in February-March 2027 for a two-match Test series, part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle. The schedule and venues are still being discussed.
Why is the schedule not yet confirmed?
The PCB and New Zealand Cricket are discussing the schedule with Ramadan and both teams' commitments in mind. New Zealand's series against Sri Lanka ends on 16 February, and the 2027 PSL starts on 18 March, leaving a narrow window.
Will any Test be played during Ramadan?
Sources indicated that at least one of the two Tests is likely to be played during Ramadan.
Where does Pakistan stand in the World Test Championship?
Pakistan sit at the bottom of the WTC points table, with two wins and seven defeats in nine matches in the current cycle.
What series does Pakistan play before New Zealand arrive?
Pakistan play Sri Lanka in two home Tests first, in Rawalpindi from 9 to 13 November and in Lahore from 17 to 21 November.
