Cricket: Blackcaps tour to Australia to proceed, but home Twenty20 international series in doubt

A compromise appears to have been found that will allow the Blackcaps' upcoming tour of Australia to go ahead, although it may deny Kiwi cricket fans of one of the showpiece events of the home summer. 

Trans-Tasman border restrictions had placed the tour - featuring a one-off Twenty20 and three one-day internationals - in doubt, with NZ Cricket unable to secure places in MIQ for players returning in February. 

Newshub understands a new plan would see the Blackcaps head across the Tasman early next week as scheduled but instead of coming home, players would be asked to remain in Australia, while the hosts play a five-game T20 series against Sri Lanka. 

The three T20 matches scheduled to be played between the Blackcaps and the world champions in Wellington and Napier in March would instead be played in Australia. 

The plan would see Blackcaps players and staff return in late March, when it’s understood NZ Cricket may have a better chance of securing enough places in MIQ for the touring party.

Details are yet to be confirmed but with players scheduled to leave on Monday, a final decision will need to be made soon. 

Sources indicate more details are expected in the next 24 hours.