PAK vs NZ: Massive Controversy Erupts Ahead Of The Series, New Zealand To Fly Away?

PAK vs NZ: Massive Controversy Erupts Ahead Of The Series, New Zealand To Fly Away? Beginning on December 26, the Pakistan Cricket Team will face off against New Zealand in the first Test Match (Monday). As they must defeat New Zealand handily, The Men in Green still has a remote chance of reaching the World Test Championship (WTC 2021-23) final.

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Multan Unlikely to Host 2nd Test Match between PAK and NZ Exciting Series on Cards

Tim Southee will take over as New Zealand’s captain after Kane Williamson announced his resignation. New Zealand left the Pakistan trip in the middle of 2021 citing security concerns. It will be fascinating to watch if the trip goes on with Najam Sethi as the new PCB Chairman.

PCB Chief Najam Sethi — Najam Sethi. Pic Credits: Twitter.

Multan Unlikely to Host 2nd Test Match between PAK and NZ

There is a possibility that Multan’s poor air quality will cause the 2nd Test Match, which is scheduled to start on January 3, 2023, to be moved to a different location.

England had played a Test match at Multan, but the air quality has since deteriorated. Given that the first Test Match is planned there, Karachi may be the ideal location. The alternative is Lahore, but that city’s AQI is 500, which is 25 times higher than what is acceptable.

Multan Cricket Stadium. Pakistan. — Multan Cricket Stadium. Photo Credit: (Twitter)

Exciting Series on Cards

Given that Pakistan is no longer in the running for the WTC, the Black Caps would like to ruin their celebration. The pitches would probably be spin-friendly, which would put New Zealand batsmen to the test. Tim Southee’s performance will be intriguing to watch, as we have frequently seen how the responsibility of captaincy influences a player’s performance.

Babar Azam is reportedly expected to lose his captaincy after the Test Series loss to England, according to certain publications. The hitter had a tumultuous Test Series against England when he struggled to perform under pressure, therefore he will be eager to make a statement by playing a gutsy brand of cricket.