The two countries have mutually decided for the three-match ODI series to be considered as just another bilateral affair due to the unavailability of Decision Review System (DRS).
The series could’ve gone ahead without the DRS as well, but ESPNcricinfo reported:
“New Zealand were not prepared to play a high-stakes series without the use of the technology.”
Already weakened by the absence of multiple first-choice players, the Kiwis didn’t want to risk playing without the option of referring the on-field umpire’s decision after PCB and its host broadcaster were “unable to to find an ICC-approved provider for the technology in time for the series.”
The good news is that Pakistan will face New Zealand in an ODI series that counts in the Super League in the 2022-23 season when the Kiwis return to the Asian country for two Tests and three 50-over internationals.
The two Tests will be part of the ongoing two-year cycle of the World Test Championship, while the ODIs are set to be counted towards qualification for the 2023 World Cup via the Super League.
The top seven teams in the league’s points table will earn direct entry into the next ODI World Cup alongside hosts India. Those finishing below the eighth position in the 13-team competition will have to go through a cut-throat global qualifier.
Pakistan are currently sixth in the Super League standings after four wins and five losses from nine games. NZ are tenth but with three wins from three matches in the early days of their campaign.
The coming ODI series begins on September 17 in Rawalpindi, followed by matches on September 19 and 21 at the same venue. The Kiwis will also play a five-match T20I series on their tour ahead of the T20 World Cup.
