ICC informed as Haider misses ODI after 'threat' reports

Pakistan wicketkeeper Zulqarnain Haider arrived in London last night after disappearing before the decisive fifth one-day international against South Africa.

The 24-year-old landed in the capital having gone missing from the team's hotel in Dubai yesterday morning.

Pakistan levelled what is officially their home series by winning the fourth ODI by one wicket with a ball to spare, with Haider making 19 not out and hitting the winning runs.

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Reports yesterday morning suggested he had received threatening messages after his part in that result, and he then failed to report for duty at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

His absence was initially shrouded in mystery, with details slowly emerging before and during the South Africa innings before the Pakistan Cricket Board eventually issued the following statement.

"This morning Pakistan wicketkeeper Zulqarnain Haider left the team hotel without informing any member of the Pakistan team management," it read.

"Zulqarnain was in possession of his passport at the time he left the hotel which he had taken from Pakistan team management the previous evening for personal use.

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"The PCB has informed Dubai police of the incident and also has brought it into the notice of ICC's Anti-Corruption Unit. All other concerned authorities were also taken into the loop.

"The information shared with PCB by local authorities indicates that Mr Haider has left the UAE for the United Kingdom. PCB continues to monitor this situation and is in regular contact with concerned authorities in this regard.

"A full inquiry will be held into the circumstances surrounding this incident and no further comments will be made until the facts are known."

Security has been provided for Haider's family in Lahore, with senior superintendent of police Rana Faisal confirming: "We have deployed a dozen police officials at Haider's residence, so that they can be guarded properly if there is any threat."

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In a separate incident, Haider and team-mates Shahzaib Hasan and Abdur Rehman had previously been fined 12,000 rupees (87) for breaking a team curfew.

Batsman Umar Akmal was pressed into service as a makeshift wicketkeeper in the absence of Haider, with South Africa going on to complete a 57-run victory and wrap up a 3-2 series victory.

Jacques Kallis starred with bat and ball as the Pakistanis were let down by poor bowling that allowed the Proteas to set a daunting 318 for victory.

JP Duminy's unbeaten 59 from 41 balls was one of four half-centuries with Hashim Amla (62),

Kallis (83) and AB de Villiers (61) all among the runs.

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In response Umar Akmal (59) and Mohammad Hafeez (60) hit half-centuries, but no one really kicked on as the Asian side were dismissed for 260 with 5.1 overs to spare, Kallis taking 3-30.

Pakistan have been beset by problems in recent months, with the most recent being the spot-fixing allegations, and Haider's absence meant Akmal was forced to come into the team and take the gloves.