Haider sends letter of explanation to PCB

Board forms committee to start disciplinary proceedings.

LAHORE:

Runaway Pakistan wicket-keeper Zulqarnain Haider has contacted the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) through a letter of explanation that details his reasons behind deserting the team last year during Pakistan’s ‘home’ series against South Africa in the UAE.

Haider had fled to England after claiming he had received death threats for refusing to accede to demands to fix matches. He subsequently applied for political asylum in England but changed his mind after getting assurances from interior minister Rehman Malik that he will be protected in Pakistan, and returned home on April 24.

Meanwhile, the PCB confirmed that it has received the response from Haider that the board had asked for in November  last year. In accordance with board policy, a three-man disciplinary committee has been formed that comprises Director Domestic Cricket Sultan Rana as chairman, Security Manager Colonel (retired) Wasim Ahmed and Manager Estates Khawaja Mohammad Awais. The committee will be assisted by PCB Legal Advisor Taffazul Rizvi.

The PCB announced in a statement that the committee will soon start its proceedings.

Ever since his flight from Dubai, Haider has repeatedly threatened to reveal names of players who he believed were involved in cricket corruption. The wicket-keeper now wants to resurrect his career by making a comeback to the national team.



Published in The Express Tribune, May 18^th, 2011.