KARACHI, June 11: New Zealand do not want to play in Karachi during a One-day International series against Pakistan later this year after witnessing a bombing on their last visit to the port city.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chief Executive Ramiz Raja said on Wednesday: “New Zealand have made a request to this effect....the itinerary is yet to be given final shape.”

The New Zealanders are due to play five One-day Internationals in Pakistan after completing a tour of India in November.

The team cut short a tour to Pakistan in May last year without playing the second test in Karachi after a bomb exploded on a commuter bus near their team hotel, killing 14 people.

“We can understand the reasons for New Zealand’s request,” Ramiz said. “But at the same time Bangladesh and South Africa have confirmed they will be playing matches at Karachi this season.”

Ramiz said he would discuss the itinerary with New Zealand chief executive Martin Snedden later this month after the meeting of the International Cricket Council (ICC) in London.

Australia and West Indies refused to tour Pakistan last year over security concerns.—Reuters