Due to worries about his preparation, New Zealand bowler Adam Milne has been cut from the Blackcaps white-ball selections for the upcoming series in Pakistan and India.
The right-arm fast bowler missed two Ford Trophy games in December after having a delayed return due to a strained hamstring that kept him out of the most recent home series against India.
Even though he participated in the Firebirds' first two Dream11 Super Smash matches, the idea of playing six ODIs in as little as 16 days in both Pakistan and India was deemed to be too risky.
A decision was therefore made, by mutual agreement, to replace Milne with Central Stags pace bowler Blair Tickner, who is already over in Pakistan with the Test team.
Blackcaps selector Gavin Larsen said the decision wasn't an easy one.
"Adam was very up front with us about his concerns around the lack of one-day bowling loading for the upcoming tours," Larsen said in a statement on Monday.
"After chatting to him, we agreed his preparation leading into the tour wouldn't be sufficient for him to cope with the demands of back-to-back, three-game ODI series.
"We appreciate his honesty and his genuine desire not to let the team down."
With the duration of the home summer, Milne will continue to play for the Wellington Firebirds when he is able.
Tickner, who has played in six ODIs, was deemed a ready replacement by Larsen.
"Blair is a similar possibility to what Adam offered us because of his ability to hit the pitch hard and bowl through the centre.
The fact that he is already in Pakistan and is familiar with the circumstances is a plus.
On January 4, the Blackcaps' ODI players leave for Pakistan.