Adam Milne and Finn Allen ruled out of Pakistan series due to injury

For the upcoming 5-match T20I series against Pakistan from April 18, New Zealand received a big blow as two of their players Finn Allen and Adam Milne got injured on the day of departure. Hence, both players were ruled out of the series while wicketkeeper Tom Blundell and uncapped all-rounder Zak Foulkes were chosen as their replacements. 

"The nature of their respective injuries meant they wouldn't be able to take part in any of the five-match series due to start next week in Rawalpindi; plans for their return to cricket will be confirmed in the coming weeks," said the NZ in a statement. 

Allen encountered a back injury while Milne was sidelined by an ankle knock. Although it was sad news for everyone, Zak got his maiden call-up for the Kiwis. Moreover, New Zealand is sending a second string of players for the tournament as the others are busy with the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. It will be really exciting to see the performance of the Pakistan team against the Kiwis. 

Pakistan to play T20I series with Babar Azam as captain

In the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand, Pakistan is set to play with their new captain Babar Azam. Recently, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reappointed Babar as the captain after sacking Shaheen Afridi. Keeping the T20 World Cup in mind, PCB chose to take a huge step. Moreover, Shaheen Afridi captained the Pakistan team during the T20I series against New Zealand where they lost the series, 1-4.

Post that, he has a very below-average PSL tournament as well. Hence, the Board decided to give him some rest from captaincy as the World Cup is scheduled to take place in the West Indies and the USA. Also, Pakistan will face India in the T20 World Cup 2024 in June.