Zulqarnain Haider seeks asylum in the United Kingdom
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Pakistan-c755 wicketkeeper Zulqarnain Haider has confirmed he will seek asylum in the United Kingdom after receiving death threats in order to throw certain one-day international matches.
Haider landed in London yesterday after he left the Pakistan squad, who are involved in a limited overs series against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/South-Africa-c757, without permission. He says the threats were made after he refused to
lose a game against in the series.
"I understand there is rule in Britain that if you are on right and if you are not a criminal, then they always protect you.
I received death threats to lose the fourth and fifth one-day internationals against South Africa, but I could not compromise the dignity of my country," said the wicketkeeper to Pakistani TV station Geo.
The International Cricket Council and the Pakistan Cricket Board have both confirmed that investigations will be conducted into Haider's abrupt absence from the Pakistan
squad.
Cricket future
It's important to reflect on this issue in terms of Haider's cricket career because this angle has been overlooked in recent days. There is very little chance that Haider
will be allowed to play for Pakistan at any point in the near future, he may not even want to.
An ICC investigation could ultimately result in the player being banned from cricket for defying the contract he holds with the PCB. Haider could be banned from the game
for life or for an extended period of time that may force him into early retirement.
Thinking way ahead, there could be the chance for an English county to sign the wicketkeeper if he's going to be permanently based in the UK. However, match fixing is just
as evident in England as the case with former http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Essex-c783 fast bowler Mervyn Westfield proves.
"Immigration officials in the UK were kind to me and proposed me to hire the
services of a counsellor but I am yet to reach a decision," added Haider on the TV station.
Betting advice
Back the player who comes into the Pakistan side to replace Haider to do very well before the threat of match fixing invades that player's life.
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