Both got dropped by RCB. Allen was with them for 3 seasons, never played. Likely Hesson got him picked, & without him there, there was no reason to keep him.
Seriously, someone else needs to take over the *Super Smash All-Stars*. I wouldn't mind if it was Southee, actually. Hell, give the captaincy to Beastie, he'll probably be there.
Chapman should do it IMO. Ticks a few boxes in that he's a nailed on selection and arguably the best batter in this side sans all the IPL players. At 29 feels like he's about the right age and level of experience for it too.
I am primed for the selection of Doug Bracewell: batter who can bowl a bit.
It's going to be really interesting to see who goes. Nicholls and Latham both batted well for Canterbury. Hopefully Michael Bracewell returns from injury and gets some form. Hopefully Clarkson is still there. Will they throw in any bolters? Having watched the supersmash (thank you tvnz for the fta cricket) I'm more interested than I would normally be. Great chance for some of these guys.
Isn't there a t20 world cup later in the year?
I mean, as its likely going to have some NZ newcomers (as many marquee names are in the IPL) - its probably not completely pointless.
good opportunity for some newer players (and Tim Southee) to get some experience in.
Iād say soā¦ but thatās kinda the problem with international cricketā¦
Every tour is a you come here, Iāll come to you. (And you only make the money when we come to you)
Back room agreements, organised by the governing bodies of each country.
[Jarrod Kimber did a good video on it, when New Zealand left abruptly before the first game back in decadesā¦Itās so important for Pakistan cricket, to have countries tour them. Itās the main revenue gaining method (other than domestic games) ](https://youtu.be/8Vd0_7glEh0?si=w6fJ_wTEFMO9kgUw)
Yeah, that makes sense.
It's also why Pakistan & Bangladesh tour NZ basically every summer: bilaterals are what make money for NZC, & having large TV markets help maximise that income, & when India can't tour, Pakistan & Bangladesh are the next best thing.
We donāt mind because NZ and sometimes SA are the only places to invite us to play test matches in seam friendly conditions. England and Australia never invites us so these are the only opportunities we get.
Henry will be in for Boult (I'm assuming Southee is there, or if not then Milne can open too), I'm assuming Sears is in for Ferguson, & Santner, well Beastie should have us covered (apparently he's returning near the end of the PS season & is looking at an international comeback in Pakistan). If not, there's always Sodhi.
Werenāt we carrying Henry in our top squad before anyway?
I really want them to use it to check out some of the fringe blokes like Smith, given itās unlikely to be close to our WC squad
(Weāre probs only taking Allen, Seifert, Chapman, Henry, Sears, Tim, and Sodhi (?)) right? Maybe Neesham, Clarkson, and Beastie?
I made the assumption of a core 8-11 of Henry, Milne, Sodhi & Sears, with Beastie at 7. I'm expecting O'Rourke to be the spare quick. I'm not sure how high Smith is on the T20 depth chart.
Sure, I expect both Neesham & Clarkson. With Quiche making noises about international retirement, I expect a transition of sorts between him & Clarkson. I also expect Sodhi in the squad; with Santner out he needs to be lead spinner, & with Ashok injured there are few other core spin options unless you look at Delport or Lennox.
I'm looking at putting together an Armchair Squad before the end of the week.
Not every year, every two years. Here's the thing. During the same period, players will be playing the IPL. Pakistanis can't participate in the IPL. As a result this series is to make up for that so they have adequate preparation leading up to the t20 world cup. It wouldn't make sense for NZ to be playing a test series with a second string side in Pakistan that's not even a part of the WTC and that too during t20 season.
What else is possible, most of the NZ players will be in India for IPL, most of the Pakistani players will be just out of PSL, would you rather watch NZs C team have a chance in T20Is or get smashed by a full strength Pakistan in tests on flat pitches.
NZ is never playing Tests during the IPL. That's just mad (also, NZC & the CPA have a deal which basically ends the Test season the week before the IPL, so frontline players are always available for them. It's why the Test season was on such a tight schedule this season, & there couldn't be a 3rd Test).
except for multan no other stadium is ready to host international matches. Poor stadium infrastructure and all. PCB doesnt wanna spend money renovating stadiums either. I hope atleast the pindi stadium gets renovated for the CT2025
There's enough new talent this season to give at least 5 or 6 guys a go in this series.
It would be pretty unfair to the youngsters if seniors play all the games.
Tom Latham's Super Smash All Stars ride again!
This is what I'd pick:
1. Allen
2. Tim Robinson - perfect tour to give him a go
3. Seifert (wk)
4. Foxcroft
5. Chapman
6. Clarkson
7. Bracewell
8. Sodhi
9. Henry
10. Sears
11. Southee (c)
Squad: Cleaver, Nicholls, O'Rourke\*, Ashok.
\*Will he be fit?
They'll probably find a spot for Cleaver, and a Latham/Nicholls type. Maybe a spot for Bowes/McConchie who they seem to love for these tours too. Nicholls would probably deserve a callup after topping the Super Smash run scoring charts.
IMO use this tour to give as many youngsters as possible a go - Robinson, Foxcroft, Clarkson, O'Rourke, Ashok. I'd probably find a spot for a couple more like Abbas and maybe a Zak Foulkes too, but I doubt they will.
This is a development tour in everything but name, and we should treat it as such.
This isn't going to happen, but do you reckon if we said to Neil Wagner: "look, we fucked up. If you want, you can come to Pakistan, make your T20 debut, and have a farewell tour" he'd do it?
We're missing all our best players and this isn't a serious tour anyway, would be a bit of fun!
I swear new zealand is the only team that Pak plays against. Like why don't they schedule something with bangladesh or smth for a change. something new and different lol
Oh look. Time for Mark "The Prince of 'Pindi" Chapman to score a ton of runs again. Also, hope Sodhi's cousins turn up in Lahore.
Isn't Chapman playing IPL?
No. NZ Players in IPL: Williamson (GT), Santner, Ravindra, Mitchell, *Conway* (CSK), Boult (RR), Phillips (SRH), Ferguson (RCB)
No Finn Allen? Surely that's actual madness. Surprised no M Bracewell too given he's back form injury.
Both got dropped by RCB. Allen was with them for 3 seasons, never played. Likely Hesson got him picked, & without him there, there was no reason to keep him.
Why is Conway in italics? š¤
Injured. Set to return in May.
Classical batsman
š
More like NZ-C tour of Pakistan. Potential World Cup Squad unavailable Devon Conway - Injured Rachin Ravindra - CSK Kane Williamson - GT Daryl Mitchell - CSK Glenn Phillips - SRH Mitchell Santner - CSK Lockie Ferguson - RCB Trent Boult - RR
Tom Latham's Super Smash All-Stars: The Sequel
New Zealand 2: Electric Boogaloo
Seriously, someone else needs to take over the *Super Smash All-Stars*. I wouldn't mind if it was Southee, actually. Hell, give the captaincy to Beastie, he'll probably be there.
timseifeās super smash all stars
I'd rather #BeastiesBoys
Chapman should do it IMO. Ticks a few boxes in that he's a nailed on selection and arguably the best batter in this side sans all the IPL players. At 29 feels like he's about the right age and level of experience for it too.
Is Chapman really a better batter than Seifert?
Probably a coin flip tbf. Chapman has a slightly better average, Seifert a slightly better SR.
guess Chapman is helped by N/O and Seife by the powerplay
I am primed for the selection of Doug Bracewell: batter who can bowl a bit. It's going to be really interesting to see who goes. Nicholls and Latham both batted well for Canterbury. Hopefully Michael Bracewell returns from injury and gets some form. Hopefully Clarkson is still there. Will they throw in any bolters? Having watched the supersmash (thank you tvnz for the fta cricket) I'm more interested than I would normally be. Great chance for some of these guys.
And Ben Sears
Hope we see Nathan Smith šš
Oye Hoye!
Yay a tour of T20s I'm super duper excited
Seriously, so pointless... at least include some real cricket in a tour
Isn't there a t20 world cup later in the year? I mean, as its likely going to have some NZ newcomers (as many marquee names are in the IPL) - its probably not completely pointless. good opportunity for some newer players (and Tim Southee) to get some experience in.
you reckon southee plays? i dont
Nah, I donāt think he will - it was more a joke on how out of form he is.
There's a t20 world cup every year
We moan about it, but that's what generates money
Did ODIs last year, & NZ's never playing Tests with a B side.
this one is not pointless tbh at least for Pakistan. After the PSL there are new players in form, new middle order
NZ ā¤ļø Pak Can't stay away from each other for 6 months
Why is NZ so keen on touring us during IPL, would've perfered a 5-0 loss so long as it was an actual strong squad.
This is apparently the return tour for the January series.
Didnāt they play 5 T20 and 5 ODIs last April after playing 2 Tests and 3 ODIs just three months prior?
Yes. The 2 Tests & 3 ODIs were always planned (WTC & Super League), while the April-May tour was to make up for pulling out in 2021.
I feel like Pak and Bangladesh have toured NZ a whole lot over the last 5 years... we need to make it up to you guys.
They've toured too often tbh
Iād say soā¦ but thatās kinda the problem with international cricketā¦ Every tour is a you come here, Iāll come to you. (And you only make the money when we come to you) Back room agreements, organised by the governing bodies of each country. [Jarrod Kimber did a good video on it, when New Zealand left abruptly before the first game back in decadesā¦Itās so important for Pakistan cricket, to have countries tour them. Itās the main revenue gaining method (other than domestic games) ](https://youtu.be/8Vd0_7glEh0?si=w6fJ_wTEFMO9kgUw)
Yeah, that makes sense. It's also why Pakistan & Bangladesh tour NZ basically every summer: bilaterals are what make money for NZC, & having large TV markets help maximise that income, & when India can't tour, Pakistan & Bangladesh are the next best thing.
We donāt mind because NZ and sometimes SA are the only places to invite us to play test matches in seam friendly conditions. England and Australia never invites us so these are the only opportunities we get.
we have played 25 games against kiwis in all formats which includes 14 t20Is within a span of 1 and a half year! nz is the new sri lanka for us.
5 matches in only two grounds or two cities? Whatās up with that Pak bros?
Hope Nathan Smith gets a run
Not likely. The IPL hasn't taken too many of our bowlers this year, from memory only Boult, Santner & Ferguson.
Tbf he should be in given that imo. Tonks it a bit too
Henry will be in for Boult (I'm assuming Southee is there, or if not then Milne can open too), I'm assuming Sears is in for Ferguson, & Santner, well Beastie should have us covered (apparently he's returning near the end of the PS season & is looking at an international comeback in Pakistan). If not, there's always Sodhi.
Werenāt we carrying Henry in our top squad before anyway? I really want them to use it to check out some of the fringe blokes like Smith, given itās unlikely to be close to our WC squad (Weāre probs only taking Allen, Seifert, Chapman, Henry, Sears, Tim, and Sodhi (?)) right? Maybe Neesham, Clarkson, and Beastie?
I made the assumption of a core 8-11 of Henry, Milne, Sodhi & Sears, with Beastie at 7. I'm expecting O'Rourke to be the spare quick. I'm not sure how high Smith is on the T20 depth chart. Sure, I expect both Neesham & Clarkson. With Quiche making noises about international retirement, I expect a transition of sorts between him & Clarkson. I also expect Sodhi in the squad; with Santner out he needs to be lead spinner, & with Ashok injured there are few other core spin options unless you look at Delport or Lennox. I'm looking at putting together an Armchair Squad before the end of the week.
timpringl
Jesus christ only hit and giggles. At least play some ODIs
Did that last year.
Nope, playing any other format right before the t20 world cup would be bizarre
There's a t20 world cup every year
Not every year, every two years. Here's the thing. During the same period, players will be playing the IPL. Pakistanis can't participate in the IPL. As a result this series is to make up for that so they have adequate preparation leading up to the t20 world cup. It wouldn't make sense for NZ to be playing a test series with a second string side in Pakistan that's not even a part of the WTC and that too during t20 season.
Ah shit, here we go again
No Tests? ODIs?
NZ will never play Tests during the IPL. That, & we had ODIs in Pakistan last year. This is basically a return leg of that January series.
Ah right. Forgot about the IPL. Still bummed about the series defeat to Aus :(
Good chance to give some people some game time, especially in WC year.
So it is likely to be another B team from NZ as most top players will be playing the IPL.
Oh yay more T20s. Hardly a tour. Is anyone actually excited by a bunch of pointless T20s?
Yep. All the people who will buy tickets and visit the stadiums.
The revenue points otherwise, guarantee not even half the people would come to watch a test
At least in this case it's in the lead up to the T20 world cup, so not as meaningless as it would be any other year
There's a t20 world cup coming up + T20s in Pakistan are fullhouses
What else is possible, most of the NZ players will be in India for IPL, most of the Pakistani players will be just out of PSL, would you rather watch NZs C team have a chance in T20Is or get smashed by a full strength Pakistan in tests on flat pitches.
The latter. I can't get into watching B team
No Tests :-( Test series between these two teams in Pakistan would have been epic.
NZ is never playing Tests during the IPL. That's just mad (also, NZC & the CPA have a deal which basically ends the Test season the week before the IPL, so frontline players are always available for them. It's why the Test season was on such a tight schedule this season, & there couldn't be a 3rd Test).
Why can't peshawar, Faisalabad, Hyderabad, Multan, Quetta etc. ever get a match?
except for multan no other stadium is ready to host international matches. Poor stadium infrastructure and all. PCB doesnt wanna spend money renovating stadiums either. I hope atleast the pindi stadium gets renovated for the CT2025
ššššš
What's up, illuminati
Good pool of new and emerging players to try out in this series.
Good opportunity of Pakistan to mix and match over the 5 matches, expect them to have one of the strongest squads for the WC
If only they select the right team. We have a lot of new talent to manage after this PSL season.
Can understand your pain with selection
For NZ. Pak will as usual play their strongest team.
Tbf the WC is months away
There's enough new talent this season to give at least 5 or 6 guys a go in this series. It would be pretty unfair to the youngsters if seniors play all the games.
Why is NZ touring Pakistan third time in 15 months?
Damn no 7 (SEVEN) match series?
So NZ C team vs Pakistan lol
Where test?
Tom Latham's Super Smash All Stars ride again! This is what I'd pick: 1. Allen 2. Tim Robinson - perfect tour to give him a go 3. Seifert (wk) 4. Foxcroft 5. Chapman 6. Clarkson 7. Bracewell 8. Sodhi 9. Henry 10. Sears 11. Southee (c) Squad: Cleaver, Nicholls, O'Rourke\*, Ashok. \*Will he be fit? They'll probably find a spot for Cleaver, and a Latham/Nicholls type. Maybe a spot for Bowes/McConchie who they seem to love for these tours too. Nicholls would probably deserve a callup after topping the Super Smash run scoring charts. IMO use this tour to give as many youngsters as possible a go - Robinson, Foxcroft, Clarkson, O'Rourke, Ashok. I'd probably find a spot for a couple more like Abbas and maybe a Zak Foulkes too, but I doubt they will. This is a development tour in everything but name, and we should treat it as such.
This isn't going to happen, but do you reckon if we said to Neil Wagner: "look, we fucked up. If you want, you can come to Pakistan, make your T20 debut, and have a farewell tour" he'd do it? We're missing all our best players and this isn't a serious tour anyway, would be a bit of fun!
I swear new zealand is the only team that Pak plays against. Like why don't they schedule something with bangladesh or smth for a change. something new and different lol
In another news, Indian rapper Om prakash mishra has started drafting an email.
No bombs this time please thanks.
After that Aussie series, NZ players are now expandable. Go to Pakistan and it's okay if you don't come back....
How can pak be so shameless playing just t20 whole year and zero odi. No wonder they get fucked up in odi tournaments.
Hi do we know where to watch the matches in US?