NZC Announces Packed Schedule
New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has officially confirmed the 2024-25 home season itinerary, featuring tours by England, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan. The announcement on Wednesday (July 17) outlines a busy schedule for the New Zealand men’s and women’s teams.
Men’s Team Itinerary
The New Zealand men’s team will play three Tests, six ODIs, and eight T20Is during the home season. The highlight will be a three-Test series against England, the only Tests to be played on New Zealand soil this summer. This series concludes a period of nine Tests for New Zealand, following away fixtures against Afghanistan (one Test), Sri Lanka (two Tests), and India (three Tests).
England Series and Beyond
Following the England series, New Zealand will host Sri Lanka for a series of T20Is and ODIs from late December to mid-January. The team will then travel to Pakistan for an ODI tri-series, serving as a preparatory event for the Champions Trophy, which begins on February 19.
Pakistan Series Overlapping with IPL
In the latter part of the season, New Zealand will host Pakistan for five T20Is and three ODIs in late March and early April. These matches are likely to overlap with the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, creating a potential scheduling conflict for some players.
Women’s Team Schedule
The New Zealand women’s team will also have a busy home season, starting with a three-ODI series against Australia, all to be played at the Basin Reserve just before Christmas. Australia will return for three T20Is in late March. Following Australia’s visit, Sri Lanka’s women’s team will tour New Zealand for a six-match series in March.
Double-Headers with Men’s T20I Series
Five women’s T20Is, including the last two against Sri Lanka and the three against Australia, will be played as double-headers with the men’s T20I series against Pakistan. This scheduling aims to boost viewership and provide more cricketing action for fans.
Conclusion
The 2024-25 home season promises to be an exciting period for New Zealand cricket, with a mix of high-profile matches and intense competitions. Both the men’s and women’s teams will face significant challenges and opportunities to showcase their talent on home soil.live (score cricket ipl)
