Zulqarnain Haider has arrived in London after fleeing Pakistan's team's hotel this morning following threats made against him.
Haider flew into Heathrow from Dubai this lunchtime after he failed to show for Pakistan's One-Day International against South Africa. Pakistan levelled their ODI series with South Africa with a ball to spare on Friday, with Haider making 19 not out and hitting the winning runs.
Reports this morning suggested he had received threatening messages after his part in that victory, with his brother Raza Haider saying: "I spoke to Zulqarnain after the fourth ODI and he told me he had received some kind of threats after that game, but he gave no details."
A cryptic message on Haider's Facebook page this morning read: "Leaving Pakistan cricket because get bad msg fr 1 man fr lose the match in last game."
The suggestion that Haider was 'got at' by match-fixers follows a summer of scandal for Pakistan cricket. Captain Salman Butt and fast bowlers Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir are all currently suspended by the International Cricket Council following the News Of The World's August investigation into deliberate no-balls.
Haider's absence was initially shrouded in mystery, with details slowly emerging before and during the South Africa innings before the PCB 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.
"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."
Batsman Umar Akmal was pressed into service as a makeshift wicketkeeper in the absence of Haider.
Pakistan team manager Intikhab Alam said: "I can't make much comment on this, but I can only confirm that Haider did not come with the team to the ground and we are looking for him," Alam told reporters.
