Haider Quits, Adnan Akmal Called Up To Test Squad

Haider Quits, Adnan Akmal Called Up To Test Squad

Zulqarnain Haider has announced his international retirement

©REUTERS/Nikhil Monteiro (UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - Tags: SPORT CRICKET) Picture Supplied by Action Images

Following his disappearance and subsequent re-emergence in England ahead of Pakistan's fifth One-Day International against South Africa in Dubai, wicket-keeper Zulqarnain Haider has announced his retirement from international cricket.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have called up Adnan Akmal, younger brother of Kamran and Umar, to replace Haider in their Test squad ahead of the two matches against South Africa.

Meanwhile, Mohammad Hafeez will remain in the United Arab Emirates as a replacement for leg-spinner Danish Kaneria, who was not given clearance to enter the country.

"I have decided it is best for me to retire from international cricket since my family and I are constantly getting threats," Haider told Geo News.

"It is best for me to step down because I can't play in these circumstances. But I would like to continue to play domestic cricket."

Haider flew to England ahead of the final game of the five-match series with South Africa, saying that he was fleeing from match-fixers.

"I was told to cooperate or I would face lot of problems," he said.

"This person approached me while I had gone out of the hotel for dinner. He told me cooperate with us and you can make a lot of money.

"He said, 'If you don't cooperate you will no longer be part of the team and we can make life very difficult for you'."

Three Pakistan players - Salman Butt, Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Asif - remain suspended following allegations that they were involved in spot-fixing during the team's recent tour of England.

Following an International Cricket Council (ICC) board meeting, the PCB were advised to step up their efforts to combat corruption in the game and as recently as the day before the final game in Dubai, the ICC said it was impressed with the measures taken by the PCB.

The ICC has subsequently announced its availability to help both the PCB and the player at this time.

“Clearly this is in the first instance a team matter for Pakistan cricket but the ICC is willing to provide assistance to the PCB and the player," chief executive Haroon Lorgat said in a statement.

“We understand his plight if reports are indeed true, but we can only help if he is willing to engage with us.”

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