New Zealand’s upcoming tour of Pakistan in 2024 is creating a dilemma for several Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises. The clash between the IPL and international cricket schedules is causing problems for key players, who will have to choose between the IPL and their national duties. The overlap of the IPL and the Pakistan Super League (PSL) with New Zealand’s tour adds further complications for both leagues and their star players.
Schedule Overlap:
The New Zealand team is scheduled to tour Pakistan from March 16 to April 5, 2024, during which they will play 5 T20 matches and 3 One Day Internationals. This tour coincides with the start of the IPL, which is set to begin on March 14, 2024. Several prominent New Zealand cricketers are integral parts of IPL franchises, raising concerns about their availability for the start of the IPL season.
Impact on IPL Franchises:
Several IPL teams are likely to be affected by the New Zealand players’ commitments to their national team during this period:
Chennai Super Kings:
Key players Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra may miss the initial matches of the IPL due to their national duty. This could be a significant setback for the team, especially in the early stages of the tournament.
Gujarat Titans: They could be without Glenn Phillips for some of the initial matches.
Mumbai Indians: Players like Mitchell Santner and Trent Boult might also be unavailable for the start of the IPL season.
Punjab Kings: Lockie Ferguson could miss part of the IPL due to his participation in New Zealand’s tour of Pakistan.
The Case of Kane Williamson: Meanwhile, former New Zealand captain Kane Williamson will not be part of the IPL 2025 auction, as no team has selected him for their squad. This decision has raised eyebrows, especially given his experience and leadership qualities, which were instrumental in New Zealand’s success in international cricket.
Mitchell Santner’s New Role:
In a significant development, Mitchell Santner, a key player for New Zealand, has been appointed as the country’s new white-ball captain. This new role will further increase his responsibilities during the tour, potentially affecting his availability for IPL duties.
Conclusion:
The overlap between New Zealand’s tour of Pakistan and the IPL 2024 is causing headaches for franchises that rely on key Kiwi players. The situation highlights the challenges of balancing international commitments with the lucrative opportunities provided by domestic leagues like the IPL. Fans and franchises alike will be eagerly watching to see how teams adjust to these schedule conflicts, which could affect the early part of the IPL season.
