Ryder, who has had a chequered career in New Zealand Cricket due to off-field incidents, did not play for Otago yesterday in a twenty20 match against Canterbury in Christchurch.
The New Zealand Herald is today reporting Ryder (30) was drinking at Otago Cricket's golf day on Friday and did not arrive at the airport for the team's flight to Christchurch on Saturday.
Sources told the Herald the team still wanted Ryder to join them in Christchurch for the match but he was having ''relationship issues'' and chose to withdraw.
Otago Cricket Association Ross Dykes told the Otago Daily Times he could not comment on speculation.
All he was prepared to say was Ryder pulled out of the game because of personal reasons.
''He is a contracted Otago player and we have an obligation towards him. I've got a wee bit more work to do on this,'' Dykes said.
''I'll be working through this with Jesse. But I don't want to say any more until I am aware of everything.''
When asked if it was an alcohol-related matter, Dykes said he was not prepared to make any further comment.
Otago coach Dimitri Mascarenhas said last night it was a personal matter and he could not comment further. Somewhat ironically, Otago won its first match of the season yesterday, without Ryder.
Ryder was due to leave New Zealand this week to play four one-day games for a New Zealand A team in Dubai but that trip may now be in jeopardy.
A New Zealand Cricket spokesman said it had been made aware of Ryder's withdrawal but was waiting to get more information.
Up to a month ago it was believed Ryder was no longer in the frame for the Black Caps.
Selection for the New Zealand A tour, though, opened the door and Ryder would have a chance to perform.
The trip to the Middle East was also thought to be a way New Zealand Cricket could keep an eye on Ryder's behaviour off the field.
