New Zealand’s cricket team arrived in Pakistan today (Thursday), a year after cancelling their previous tour over security threats.

The Kiwis— led by veteran fast bowler Tim Southee are here to play two Tests and three One-Day Internationals (ODI). Upon reaching their hotel in Karachi, they were welcomed with Sindhi ajraks.

New Zealand sparked deep frustration in Pakistan in September 2021 when they failed to show up at Rawalpindi Stadium and announced they were flying home due to threats.

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The visitors will rest today before starting training in Karachi on Friday. The first test match begins on December 26, while the second Test will be played in Multan from January 3, followed by the ODIs on January 10, 12 and 14 in Karachi.

New Zealand last visited Pakistan to play test cricket in 2002 and last played an ODI series here in 2003.

For the Test series, Pakistan announced a 16-man squad on Wednesday, with a recall for fast bowler Hasan Ali while Shaheen Shah Afridi will miss out on the series due ta a knee injury.

The arrival of the Kiwis comes just days after England whitewashed Pakistan at home in a three-match Test series.