England are gearing up to host Pakistan for a four-match T20I series from May 22 to May 30, 2024, as part of their preparation for the T20 World Cup scheduled in June. With the IPL 2024 coinciding with the T20I series, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has communicated to franchises regarding player availability in the upcoming auction.
The ECB has assured the IPL that English players will be available for the entire season, conditional on factors such as fitness, international duty, and any specified unavailability periods mentioned in auction applications. To manage players needing specific attention ahead of the T20 World Cup, Rob Key, the managing director of the ECB, will liaise directly with both the player and the franchise.
Anticipated to take place between March 22 and the end of May, the IPL 2024 schedule is pending confirmation of India’s general election polling dates. The coordination between the international schedule and the IPL underscores the commitment to facilitating player participation in the premier T20 league.
In addition to the T20I series against England, Pakistan’s cricket calendar includes plans for two T20Is before heading to Ireland, with the Netherlands series initially on the agenda. However, due to the packed cricket calendar, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has approached the Netherlands Cricket Board (KNCB) to consider delaying the series.
Both boards are currently exploring alternatives to rearrange the matches, with the PCB expressing a desire to revisit the Netherlands after their CWC Super League series in Rotterdam in 2022. Initially outlined for early May, the three-match T20I series in the Netherlands was part of Pakistan’s European tour, preceding scheduled tours to Ireland and England.
The request to delay the Dutch leg of the tour stems from the tight schedule resulting from Pakistan’s home series against New Zealand in April, highlighting the complexities in managing international cricket schedules amidst the increasing demands on players.
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