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Haider lands in London

Image: Haider: On the run

Pakistan wicketkeeper Zulqarnain Haider arrived at London's Heathrow Airport on Monday afternoon.

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Gloveman on the run following reported threats

Pakistan wicketkeeper Zulqarnain Haider arrived at London's Heathrow Airport on Monday afternoon after he had earlier vanished in Dubai. A worldwide search for the 24-year-old gloveman was sparked when he failed to report for duty at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium for the fifth and final one-day international against South Africa. Pakistan levelled what is officially their home series in Dubai by winning the fourth ODI by one wicket with a ball to spare, with Haider making 19 not out and hitting the winning runs. Reports suggested he had received threatening messages after his part in that match, and has fled to England as a result.

Concerned

The Pakistan Cricket Board issued the following statement: "This morning Pakistan wicketkeeper Zulqarnain Haider left the team hotel without informing any member of the Pakistan team management. "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. "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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