Milne and Allen ruled out of Pakistan tour due to injury.

Opener Finn Allen and fast bowler Adam Milne have been ruled out of New Zealand Cricket’s next tour of Pakistan, the organization said on Friday (April 12). While Allen had a back ailment, Milne damaged his ankle during training just before the team’s departure.

The severity of their separate injuries meant they would be unable to participate in any of the five-match series, which begins next week in Rawalpindi,” the NZC stated in a statement. Plans for their comeback to cricket will be finalized in the following weeks.”

New Zealand has named wicketkeeper Tom Blundell and uncapped allrounder Zak Foulkes as replacements. New Zealand has already named a second-string team for the series, with the majority of its first-choice players presently competing in the Indian Premier League. Blundell has not played a T20I for New Zealand in more than two years, while Foulkes has been called up for the first time.

Tom is a talented batsman. He is a leader in any team in which he plays,” stated Head Coach Gary Stead. “He also has recent experience with the problem, having served on two trips to Pakistan last year. Zak has had a fantastic season for Canterbury, leading the team in wickets in all three tournaments. He has shown remarkable ball-handling abilities, notably in T20 cricket for the Kings. We also know he has bat talents, and joining the group will be a wonderful chance for him.”

The series begins on April 18, with the fifth and final T20I scheduled for April 27. It will include the comeback of all-rounder Michael Bracewell.