Troubled batsman Jesse Ryder has withdrawn from the New Zealand A cricket squad to tour the United Arab Emirates, citing personal reasons.

He missed Otago’s Twenty20 victory over Canterbury on Sunday after not making the flight to Christchurch the previous day.

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) national selection general manager Bruce Edgar said Ryder made his decision on Monday morning after meeting Otago officials in Dunedin.

“NZC respects Jesse’s decision and is currently considering options for a replacement,” Edgar said.

The New Zealand A squad are due to leave Auckland on Wednesday night for four one-day internationals – one each against the UAE and Afghanistan, and two against Ireland.

Ryder, 30, has represented New Zealand in all three forms of the game.

But he has a history of alcohol-related incidents and hasn’t played for the Black Caps since a night out before a Test against India in Auckland in February.

His selection for NZ A was an opportunity to open the door for a possible recall with next year’s World Cup on the horizon.