Former Pakistan cricketer Abdul Razzaq criticized New Zealand players for giving priority to IPL ahead of their Pakistan tour. Most of New Zealand’s ace players like Ferguson, Tim Southee, Trent Boult, and D. Conway are busy playing IPL under different franchises. Tom Latham is to lead the team for five T20s and the same number of ODs.  
In an interview, Razzaq told that New Zealand should have traveled with their strongest squad. When some are playing IPL some are out of the team being unfit. This has resulted in a loss of all interest in the series. The former all-rounder further added, “They fielded their best team during the Test series and we saw some exciting games”. Razzaq feels that this team has no strength and it is very similar to the team which Pakistan sends when they play against Afghanistan. He is astonished to see that the New Zealand cricket board has given NOC to these players where the National interest should be given priority. Instead, they are traveling with a young team will minimize the interest in the series. The visiting team will miss Lockie Ferguson, Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Glenn Phillips, and Devon Conway on the tour which really weakens the side.