Zulqarnain Haider retires from international cricket

By jazbablog - Tue Nov 09, 6:35 pm

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LONDON: Pakistan’s wicketkeeper Zulqarnain Haider has announced his retirement from international cricket, one day after he fled the team hotel in Dubai and travelled to London claiming he was receiving threats from match-fixers.

“I have decided it is best for me to retire from international cricket since my family and I are constantly getting threats. It is best I leave international cricket,” Zulqarnain told a private news channel from London.

The 24-year-old reportedly received threatening messages following his part in Pakistan’s victory in the fourth one-day international against South Africa, in which he made 19 not out and hit the winning runs.

He then failed to report for duty at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, with reports claiming he had made his way to Britain. In an interview reported to have been given from a hotel at Heathrow, Haider told: “I received death threats to lose the fourth and fifth one-day internationals against South Africa, but I could not compromise the dignity of my country. I would rather flee away than sell out the dignity and respect of my motherland.”

He added: “I can assure you that I am safe and sound. I’m not arrested but I cannot tell where I am hiding for the sake of protection of my life.” He is planning to seek political asylum in Britain. “Immigration officials in the UK were kind to me and offered me to chance to use the services of a counsellor but I am yet to reach a decision. I understand there is a rule in Britain that if you are right and if you are not a criminal, then they always protect you.”

Haider has been assured of all manner of help by Pakistan’s High Commissioner to the UK, Wajid Shamsul Hasan, who said: “we will give him any consular assistance that he requires,” but the player himself is adamant that his family is also in danger from the criminal elements, saying: “I cannot further speak out over the issue until my family is given protection back in Pakistan.”