Zulqarnain Haider returned after almost 6 months in London where he sought asylum in Britain and said he was retiring from international cricket. –Photo by AP

ISLAMABAD: Former Pakistan wicket-keeper Zulqarnain Haider was whisked away by security officials at the airport as he ended his exile and returned home from Britain Monday.

Haider arrived on flight PK 786 at the Islamabad airport early Monday morning where his family was present to welcome him.

Security personnel did not allow Haider to speak to the waiting media representatives before he was driven in a jeep away from the airport.

Haider is later expected to meet interior minister Rehman Malik, who has given security assurances to the wicket-keeper and his family in Pakistan.

The former wicketkeeper fled to Britain from Dubai in November during an ODI series against South Africa, saying he'd received death threats from match fixers.

Last week he revoked his application for asylum in Britain after meeting Malik in England.

Zulqarnain made a successful Test debut in England last year, scoring a brilliant 88 in the second innings to help Pakistan avoid follow-on. He also played four one-day and three Twenty20 internationals for Pakistan.

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