LAHORE – Former Pakistan wicketkeeper Zulqarnain Haider, who fled to the UK two months ago, says he has run out of money. The cricketer, who has lost around 10lbs in weight during “very depressing” last two months, told Sky News that the Pakistan Cricket Board is withholding £15,000 in wages from him. But he is “delighted” that wife Shazia and daughters Zahra and Fizza will be joining him soon.
“I hope in one or two weeks they will be sitting with me in London or Birmingham,” he said. Haider fled Dubai, where Pakistan were playing South Africa, last November, claiming he had been approached by a person who had asked him to fix the fourth and fifth matches. Haider has not trained and has suffered mentally since his walkout, according to Sky News. The player is now hopeful a deal with the Kent-based Lashings World XI will come through. “They’ve offered me a good contract,” said Haider.
The Lashings chairman, David Folb, has intimated to Haider that perhaps two or three counties may be interested in taking him on when his status in the UK becomes clear. “I want to pay tax and play normally here,” said Haider, who’s retired from playing for Pakistan. “I’ve applied for asylum and it all depends now on the Home Office.” Haider is receiving personal security advice from police. PCB chairman Ijaz Butt would not confirm or deny Haider’s claims that the board is withholding the cricketer’s wages.
