Published: Jan 24, 2019, 08:15 PM (IST)
Edited: Jan 24, 2019, 08:15 PM (IST)
While Sarfraz Ahmed – Pakistan skipper and the wicketkeeper-batsman – has been in the news following his racial remarks against South Africa’s Andile Phehlukwayo, another Pakistan wicketkeeper-batsman, Zulqarnain Haider, has managed to hit the headlines as he has reversed his retirement decision and is set to make a return to international cricket. (ALSO READ: Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed sorry for Andile Phehlukwayo ‘black guy’ comment)
Haider, who last played for Pakistan in 2010, represented his country in one Test, four ODIs and three Twenty20 internationals before he mysteriously disappeared from the United Arab Emirates as Pakistan were facing South Africa in a bilateral series. It was later revealed that he, after receiving threats from the bookies, fled to London, fearing for his life, and retired from international cricket. (ALSO READ: Remember Zulqarnain Haider? He is now a tennis-ball cricket star)
However, as it turns out, the 32-year-old cricketer has come out of retirement. Noted Pakistani sports journalist took to Twitter on Thursday, saying, “Meanwhile, another Pakistani wicket-keeper is in the news – Zulqarnain Haider has announced that he has reversed his decision to retire from international cricket.”
Meanwhile, another Pakistani wicket-keeper is in the news – Zulqarnain Haider has announced that he has reversed his decision to retire from international cricket
— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) January 23, 2019
In his only Test for Pakistan in 2010 against England in Birmingham, Haider got out for zero in the first innings. However, his fighting 88 in the second innings helped Pakistan salvage some pride and avoid an innings defeat against the Andrew Strauss-led English side. (ALSO READ: Zulqarnain Haider: The ‘keeper who bid adieu to his career after receiving threats from bookies)
Haider following his sudden exit from cricket, tried his hand at some tennis-ball cricket tournament and participated in some private T20 tournaments in the United States.
“Tennis ball cricket can also be a career option. One of my friends was a part of the organising committee. So, I came here for a few matches. You never know but hope this also gives players a scope of growth. The matches are completed in short span of time and is lucrative also,” he had told PTI in 2016.
