The Blackcaps have complete faith in the security measures put in place for their upcoming trip to Pakistan, says batsman Henry Nicholls.
As part of a winter schedule that features trips to Bangladesh, and the Twenty20 World Cup in the UAE and Oman, New Zealand will visit Pakistan for the first time since 2003.
Pakistan was unable to host international cricket between 2009-19, after the Sri Lankan team were targets of a terrorist attack, but during that time, Blackcaps stars like Martin Guptill and Colin Munro have played there in the Pakistan Super League T20 tournament.
The national men’s side will play three one-day internationals and five T20 internationals in Pakistan.
While there may be some hesitancy from players travelling into the uncertainty, Nicholls is sure NZ Cricket has done due diligence for the tour.
"It's something that's obviously talked about quite a bit in the media," he says. "But I certainly know, as a players group and from NZ Cricket's point of view, that the security checks that they do, we have full faith in that.
"That's being completed at the moment and the recommendations that come from that, as a playing group, we have a lot of trust in that.
"They won't put us in any undue danger and we know that Pakistan, as well, will be doing everything they can to have cricket in there, which is an exciting prospect for everyone."
Before the Pakistan visit, the Blackcaps first head to Bangladesh, where they'll play five T20 internationals at Dhaka.
With senior players like Kane Williamson, Trent Boult and Tim Southee among those rested for the tour, Tom Latham will lead a side containing some new faces.
Wellington fast bowler Ben Sears has been handed his maiden call-up, after an impressive season with the Firebirds, while Canterbury all-rounder Cole McConchie could also make his debut.
Nicholls’ excitement of seeing new blood in the Blackcaps ranks was obvious, as the team departed for the subcontinent.
"It's great," he adds. "It's been pretty well documented - the length of the tours over this winter and the T20 World Cup at the end.
"It's a good opportunity for guys who have a bit less experience, but I think it's amazing. You look at the squad of guys who've actually been in the environment before.
"It's exciting to have guys like Ben Sears and Cole McConchie involved, and they've been performing well domestically, so it's an exciting opportunity for them and all of us.
"Every time you go to the subcontinent, it's a challenge, and something that we're looking forward to."
Join Newshub for live updates of the Blackcaps tour of Bangladesh, beginning 10pm September 1.
