Finn Allen and Adam Milne have been ruled out of the Black Caps T20 Series against Pakistan.
Allen has suffered a back injury and Milne has sustained an ankle injury while training ahead of the team's departure to Pakistan.
The nature of their respective injuries meant they wouldn't be able to take part in any of the five match series, due to start next week in Rawalpindi, Pakistan.
Plans for their return to cricket will be confirmed in the coming weeks.
Wicketkeeper batsman Tom Blundell and all-rounder Zak Foulkes have been called into the squad as replacements.
Foulkes joins the New Zealand squad for the first time, while the experienced Blundell toured Pakistan last year and will provide cover in terms of wicketkeeping and top order batting.
Black Caps coach Gary Stead said the injury setbacks were unfortunate on the eve of the tour.
"We feel for both Finn and Adam, suffering injuries so close to the start of the tour. They have been strong performers for us in the T20 format since the last World Cup."
"Our support staff and medical networks will be working closely with both players over the next few weeks to complete plans for their treatment and subsequent return to cricket," said Stead.
Stead said both Blundell and Foulkes would add strong skill sets to the group.

"Tom is a highly experienced player and along with his wicket keeping and batting skill sets is a leader in any group he is a part of. He also brings recent experience in the conditions, having taken part in both tours to Pakistan last year.
"Zak has had an impressive season for Canterbury including being their leading wicket taker in all three competitions. He has displayed impressive skills with the ball, particularly in T20 cricket for the Kings," said Stead.
The Black Caps depart from Auckland to Pakistan this evening to play the first of five T20I's starting on April 19.
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