New Zealand have agreed to play a series of three one-day internationals in Pakistan later this year.

Shafqat Naghmi, chief operating officer of the PCB disclosed about the forthcoming series which will allow Pakistan to gear up for September's ICC Champions Trophy.

“They have confirmed they want to play the three games but they want to do it closer to the Champions Trophy so an itinerary is now being worked out,” Naghmi was quoted as saying to Reuters.

“We wanted New Zealand to play five matches but they have agreed on three due to the hectic Champions Trophy schedule,” Naghmi said.

In fact, the PCB had invited West Indies for a one-day series in August but prior commitments in Canada forced them to decline the offer.