New Zealand may have more of Chris Cairns' services than originally thought as a result of his playing for Nottinghamshire in the county championship this winter.

When he signed with the county there was an agreement Cairns would be available for 21 days for New Zealand, a figure based largely around the anticipated New Zealand tour of the West Indies.

However, the rescheduling of New Zealand's tour of Pakistan in April, could mean that Cairns could be available for longer.

That depends on negotiations between Cairns and New Zealand Cricket, and then Nottinghamshire.

Cairns' manager Leanne McGoldrick said today that until firm dates were received after Jeff Crowe's visit to Pakistan to inspect security provisions for the side, nothing could be certain.

"When we know that Chris and I will have to sit down with Martin Snedden and sort out what New Zealand's requirements are and then go back to Nottinghamshire.

"They will look at the county itinerary and work out their requirements," she said.

"We are working towards him playing as many New Zealand games as he can," she added.

A best case scenario would see Cairns available for most of both the Pakistan and West Indies tours.

New Zealand's obligation to tour Pakistan would increase pressure on players this year but captain Stephen Fleming is confident the side can handle it.

Fleming said today he had no problems with the tour to Pakistan being rescheduled.

"I'm satisfied NZC are doing everything they can to get the safety issue in place. We're sending people over there before hand.

"Pakistan need us to tour and if it is safe enough we are happy to go," he said.

It had placed greater intensity on players but every year was pretty intense nowadays.

"There's obviously concerns that we will lose players along the way but we have a good stock of players and we just have to be smart with our selections.

"There is a lot of cricket to be played. That's what we enjoy doing so if we can keep players on the park, keep them reasonably fresh then there's no real issue.

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