Former Pakistan wicket-keeper, Zulqarnain Haider, has revealed on a social networking website that he has decided to return Pakistan on April 24, 2011, despite receiving threats to his life.
The wicket-keeper had suddenly left for England, before the final One-Day International (ODI) against South Africa, last year in Dubai, citing life threats from bookies to fix the match.
He then sought asylum in London leaving his family in Pakistan. The banished player announced that he would not play for Pakistan saying that he was not properly trained and suffered under pressure.
His sudden departure raised many raises and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) carried out an inquiry of his action. Later on, some support staff members of the national team said that Zulqarnain was a person with “weak nerves” who could be easily convinced and believed whatever was told to him.
Haider expressed anger and was reportedly suing PCB for his mental illness report. While living in London, he revealed that he was offered to participate in county cricket after getting clearance of his status in UK.
Media reports, earlier this week revealed that the wicket-keeper was planning to come back in Pakistan. Later on, the exiled cricketer revealed to media that he again received threatening calls, after which it was expected that he would have cancelled his plan.
Last week, he met the Pakistan’s interior minister Rehman Malik, who assured that wicket-keeper and his family would be provided with proper security when he came back home.
Zulqarnain said that he is ready to face all questions the PCB and International Cricket Council (ICC) might have for him.
"I received assurances from interior minister Rehman Malik and also from the Pakistan High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Wajid Shamsul Hasan, regarding my safety on my return to Pakistan".
Rehman Malik also gave assurances to the player that his job in Zarai Taraqiati Bank will also be restored.
Facing hurdles in the early days of his career, he just played four ODIs and scored 48 runs while playing two Test innings and scored 88 runs.
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