Who is Haider Ali? Pakistan cricketer arrested in England on rape charge

Haider Ali (X Photo)

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Haider Ali : Young career cut short?

Pakistan cricket has been rocked by fresh controversy after young batter Haider Ali was arrested in England over an alleged rape during the Pakistan Shaheens’ tour of the United Kingdom. The 24-year-old, part of the national ‘A’ team, has been provisionally suspended by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) pending investigation.Greater Manchester Police (GMP) confirmed receiving a rape report on Monday. “We have arrested a 24-year-old man… It’s alleged the incident occurred on Wednesday 23 July 2025 at a premises in Manchester. The man has since been bailed pending further enquiries,” the statement read. British police typically do not name suspects at this stage.A PCB spokesperson confirmed: “We have suspended Haider until the investigation is completed and will conduct our own inquiry in the UK.” The board said it would cooperate fully with legal proceedings while providing Haider with legal support.Haider Ali, who debuted in 2020, has played two ODIs and 35 T20Is for Pakistan, scoring 505 T20I runs with three fifties. In first-class cricket, he averages over 47 with 1,797 runs in 27 matches but is yet to play Test cricket.Born in Attock, he made his international debut in Manchester — the same city where the current case has arisen — in a T20I against England on September 1, 2020.Haider last played for Pakistan against Afghanistan at Asian Games in Hangzhou on October 6, 2023.Once considered among Pakistan’s brightest young batting talents, Haider’s career has faced prior setbacks, including a suspension for breaching Covid-19 protocols during the 2021 PSL.The Shaheens’ UK tour (July 17–August 6) included two drawn three-day games and a 2–1 one-day series win.The case evokes memories of Pakistan’s 2010 spot-fixing scandal, when Salman Butt , Mohammad Amir, and Mohammad Asif were jailed in England, underscoring the recurring shadow of controversy over the nation’s cricket.

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