Run-away wicket-keeper Zulqarnain Haider has claimed to be ‘completely ready’ for international cricket after finishing extensive therapy with psychologist Maqbool Babri.
Haider underwent three-week therapy arranged by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) which has also hired Babri’s services for Mohammad Amir. Haider, who made an impressive international debut, fled from the team hotel on the morning of the final One-Day International of the 2010 series against South Africa in the UAE. He claimed to have received death threats from unidentified people and although he apologised after his return to Pakistan, the PCB has refused to select him again.
However, the wicket-keeper said that he has put the whole issue behind him.
“Although I regained form in the last domestic season, there was something running through my head,” Haider told The Express Tribune. “I remained a bid confused but the sessions with Babri helped regain my confidence. I feel completely ready for an international comeback now. I am more focused on cricket and the saga has been erased from my mind.”
The wicket-keeper added that he will never repeat such a mistake.
“I now realised it was a mistake from my side. I should have informed the team management. If I return, I will never repeat such a mistake.”
Zulqarnain was declared the best wicket-keeper of the Quaid Trophy and is currently undergoing extensive training at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore. The wicket-keeper added that he was looking forward to foreign leagues and was eager to feature in the forthcoming Sri Lanka Premier League.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 30th, 2012.
COMMENTS (4)
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ
A matured Zulqarnain is far better than the Akmal goalkeepers. Besides, Zulqarnain does not carry the baggage of controversies and suspicions with him. Sydney test and Umar Akmal's sudden injury to keep brother Kamran in the team is still very fresh in our memory.
We'll do fine without your services.
Zulqarnain showed that he is a spirited crickter wherein he has shown guts against mighty English bowling in 3rd test in the summer of 2010. Moreover, he won a very important ODI against SA in UAE. He is a courageous character and far better than controversial Akmal. He should be the best option for Pakistan in test and ODIs.
Please do not trust this guy again. There is no shortage of wicket keepers in Pakistan. His statements were very damaging for the image of Pakistan,Keep him away from Pakistani team.