Cricket:The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have suspended wicketkeeper Zulqarnain Haider's central contract in the wake of his controversial decision to leave the national team during their series with South Africa.
Haider left the team’s hotel on the eve of the fifth one-day international in Dubai on Monday, and flew out to London.
The 24-year-old has since claimed he abandoned the team because he received death threats after hitting the winning runs in the fourth ODI on Friday.
Reports in England today have suggested that the player has also applied for asylum in the United Kingdom, with fears over his and his family’s safety back in Pakistan.
The PCB have opened an investigation into the matter, and after revealing they have been unable to get in contact with their wicketkeeper, confirmed they had suspended his contract until further notice.
“(The) PCB has suspended the contract of Mr Zulqarnain Haider for violating terms and conditions,” the statement read.
“A fact-finding committee has been formulated to establish the facts surrounding the incident of Mr Haider’s disappearance from the team hotel.
“The committee includes Mr Subhan Ahmad (PCB), Mr Intikhab Alam (Pakistan team manager) and Major Khawaja Najam (security manger Pakistan team). The committee will meet soon.
“PCB is trying to get in touch with Mr Haider but the attempts to contact him have so far remained unsuccessful.
“No further comments on this matter will be made until further information is available with PCB.”
The International Cricket Council confirmed this morning that Haider had made contact with their anti-corruption unit last night.