The cricket calendar seems to be packed for the next few months. With the IND vs AUS Test series underway, the action would soon move to IND vs ENG limited-overs series, that will lead us into the Champions Trophy, and then the IPL 2025. In fact, even during the IPL, New Zealand would tour Pakistan for 5 T20Is and 3 ODIs, from March 16 to April 5. While the T20 league starts on March 14.
No Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra for IPL 2025?
So, could that mean, some of the top New Zealand stars in the IPL could miss some of the matches? More so, could Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra miss the first few matches for CSK, as they are certain starters in their team. Well, the answer is a big, no. This won’t be the first time the Kiwi team would be travelling to Pakistan during the IPL. but just like 2024, where their 9 main players missed the series, due to the T20 league — this could again be the norm next year.
Apart from Conway and Ravindra in CSK, there is Glenn Phillips in GT, Mitchell Santner and Trent Boult in MI, and Lockie Ferguson in PBKS. Unfortunately, former Kiwi skipper Kane Williamson did not find a bid in this year’s IPL 2025 Auction. and went unsold. So, that could also mean, that Williamson might participate in the PAK vs NZ series, and also in the PSL.
PAK vs NZ to Clash with IPL
Surprisingly, Mitchell Santner, who was recently named New Zealand’s white-ball skipper, would also be in line to miss the Pakistan series, despite him unlikely to feature in MI’s playing XI, due to the four-foreign player rule. In place of him, Tom Latham or Williamson might be handed the reigns of the team once again.
Again, there is no confirmation as to who will play, and who will not…but based on what had transpired during IPL 2024, the indications are clear, that the players will choose cash-rich league over the inconsequential PAK vs NZ series.
