Cricketer Haider Ali temporarily barred from play due to ongoing rape investigation in UK
Pakistan Cricketer Haider Ali Under Criminal Investigation
Haider Ali, a key player in white-ball cricket for Pakistan, is currently under investigation by the Greater Manchester Police (GMP) in the UK. The investigation concerns an alleged rape incident that occurred in Manchester on July 23, 2025, during the Pakistan Shaheens' (Pakistan A team) tour of England.
The 24-year-old cricketer was arrested on August 4 and subsequently granted bail pending further inquiries. The victim is receiving support from the police.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has provisionally suspended Haider Ali from all cricket activities pending the outcome of the investigation. The PCB acknowledges the legal process and has committed to providing Haider with legal support throughout the inquiry.
Haider Ali has played international matches for Pakistan, including two ODIs and 35 T20Is. He was a senior player on the Shaheens' tour of England and played all five matches there. The alleged offence, which carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment in the UK, reportedly happened between two games on this tour.
The PCB reserves the right to take disciplinary action against Haider Ali once legal proceedings conclude and facts are established.
This is not the first time Haider Ali has been in trouble. In 2021, he was suspended for breaching Covid-19 protocols during the Pakistan Super League.
Meanwhile, Mohammad Faiq will replace Haider Ali for the upcoming Top End T20 Series in Australia. The Pakistan Shaheens, led by Muhammad Irfan Khan, will begin their campaign against Bangladesh 'A' on August 14 in Darwin, Australia.
Pakistan cricket has faced several scandals in the past, most notably the 2010 spot-fixing case involving Salman Butt, Mohammad Amir, and Mohammad Asif.
[1] Greater Manchester Police statement on the investigation [2] PCB statement on Haider Ali's suspension [3] Victim support statement [4] PCB Code of Conduct
- The recent news regarding Pakistan cricketer Haider Ali also encompasses a broader scope of general-news, as he is currently under investigation by the Greater Manchester Police for an alleged crime-and-justice incident.
- With Haider Ali's sports career in limbo due to the ongoing investigation, sports-analysis discussions have centered around the implications of this incident on his future in cricket, especially considering the PCB's zero-tolerance policy towards such offenses.
- Amidst this turbulent period in Haider Ali's career, it's crucial to recall other business-related controversies that have marred the reputation of Pakistan cricket, such as the 2010 spot-fixing case that tarnished the sport's image and tested the resilience of the organization.
