Wellington, Aug. 24 : Pakistan''s cricket tour of New Zealand this summer will feature just two tests and an expanded schedule of six one-day internationals and three Twenty20 contests.

According to the New Zealand Herald, the Pakistanis were due to play a three-match test series, but now officials from both countries have decided to reduce that to help their teams'' prepare for the one-day World Cup starting in February in India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

The decision is in line with a change to New Zealand''s tour schedule in Bangladesh in October when the one-day series has been expanded from three to five matches and the two tests rescheduled for April next year.

"As part of our lead-in to the World Cup, we have agreed with the Pakistan Cricket Board to play more short-form cricket to prepare optimally," New Zealand Cricket chief executive Justin Vaughan said today.

"We have agreed to move from three tests to two to allow the addition of another ODI and three Twenty20 internationals, which makes sense for both teams in the final weeks before the World Cup commences.

"The mix of games also makes it easier to fit into what is a condensed window of international cricket this season," he said.

The tour starts with three Twenty20 internationals in the week between Christmas and New Year.

The two tests will then be played in Hamilton and Wellington in early January before the one-day series. (ANI)