Brendon McCullum is unlikely to play in the first two Twenty20 matches against Pakistan because of injury.
McCullum had a fitness test today and reported back stiffness which is set to rule him out of today's match in Auckland and in Hamilton on Tuesday.
Glenn Turner, one of New Zealand's selectors, said McCullum had shown "great determination and a great willingness" to play through discomfort, but they did not want to risk his long term health.
"The medical staff are confident that intensive treatment and the right rehabilitation will stabilise his injury and get him back to full fitness," Turner said.
McCullum will have another fitness test ahead of the third Twenty20 match on Thursday in Christchurch.