Rape accuser dined with Haider Ali week after Manchester meeting

Pakistani batter Haider Ali during the Twenty20 tri-series final between New Zealand and Pakistan at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on October 14, 2022. — AFP

LONDON: A British-Pakistani woman who has accused Pakistani cricketer Haider Ali of rape remained in contact with him for nearly two weeks, including meeting him for lunch a week after their initial encounter at a Manchester hotel, according to sources familiar with the police investigation.

The sources revealed that the woman, in her mid-20s, first met the right-handed batsman at a Manchester hotel on July 23. She reported the alleged assault to Manchester Police on August 4 — around two weeks later.

Between these dates, the woman travelled from Manchester to Ashford, Kent, on August 1, where she met Ali for lunch and a walk in the city. Witnesses said that they saw the pair conversing normally, sharing laughter during the meal, and strolling together afterwards. They added that they observed them walking towards the train station the same afternoon without apparent tension.

It is understood that the woman made the journey to Ashford independently, a trip of about four hours each way.

Sources also said she remained in touch with Ali during the two weeks following their first meeting and did not raise any allegations or concerns until three days after the Ashford meeting.

Sources familiar with the investigation shared that phone data seized by the Manchester Police shows their contact with each other was normal in nature, after both their meetings. Sources also shared that the female was a fan of Ali and got in touch with the cricket star through social media sites in 2023.

The 24-year-old cricketer remained in police custody for nearly 48 hours, where he provided a written statement to the police, strongly denying the allegation of rape and stressing his innocence. The police returned his phone when releasing him on bail on the evening of August 7, pending further inquiries.

The police release suspects on bail in circumstances when there is not enough evidence to bring charges.

Greater Manchester Police said on August 8 that Ali was arrested on the allegations of rape after the police received a report of rape on August 4 and arrested Ali the following day.

The police said: "It's alleged that the incident occurred on Wednesday, 23 July, 2025, at a premises in Manchester. The man has since been bailed pending further enquiries. The victim is being supported by officers."

Ali was arrested at the Spitfire County Cricket Ground, Kent, from the Players' Canteen Office. He was taken to the Canterbury Police Station by the Kent Police officers. Sources said he was not handcuffed.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said Ali has been provisionally suspended for the duration of the criminal investigation.

"The PCB fully respects the legal procedures and processes of the United Kingdom and acknowledges the importance of allowing the investigation to run its due course," the PCB said in a statement.

"Accordingly, the PCB has decided to place Haider Ali under provisional suspension, effective immediately, pending the outcome of the ongoing investigation.

"Once the legal proceedings are concluded and all facts have been duly established, the PCB reserves the right to take appropriate action under its Code of Conduct, if necessary."

Ali has represented Pakistan in 35 Twenty20 internationals since making his debut in 2020, as well as two one-day internationals.

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