Pakistan 'not desperate' to host Kiwis

Karachi, Aug.9 (ANI): The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has said that it is not desperate to hold a one-day series against New Zealand at home this month.

"If they (New Zealand) come here and play the series, they would be more than welcome. But if they want to skip then it would be their decision. We are not desperate for the series," a PCB official told 'The News' on Friday.

The PCB's stance on the New Zealand series that includes three one-dayers is in contrast to its stand on next month's ICC Champions Trophy.

Some of the competing teams, including New Zealand are reportedly considering skipping the eight-nation tournament because of security concerns but Pakistan are making all out efforts to ensure they come and play here in the September 12 to 28 spectacle.

The official said that the series against New Zealand is not very important for Pakistan as they've already played a lot of one-day cricket this year.

"We've already played around 20 one-dayers and will play more in the Champions Trophy so there is no desperation (over the New Zealand series," he pointed out.

Pakistan had planned the New Zealand series earlier this summer in a bid to make up for the 'postponed' home series against Australia.

The PCB had scheduled the three matches in Multan (August 24) and Faisalabad (August 27 and 30). (ANI)