England Police Detain Cricketer Haider Ali for Alleged Sexual Assault; Grants Temporary Release Awaiting Investigation
In a shocking turn of events, Pakistani cricketer Haider Ali was arrested by Greater Manchester Police on August 4, 2025, on suspicion of rape. The alleged incident is said to have occurred on July 23, 2025, during the Pakistan A (Shaheens) team's tour of England.
The timeline of events is as follows:
- The alleged rape incident took place on July 23, 2025, during the Pakistan A team's tour of England, where Haider Ali was a member.
- Haider Ali was arrested on August 4, 2025, following a report received by Greater Manchester Police.
- The arrest occurred in Beckenham, where the Pakistan A side was playing the last of their five matches of the tour.
- Haider Ali played matches around the time of the alleged incident, including games on July 22 and 25.
- After his arrest, Haider Ali was interviewed under caution but was not held in custody. He has been granted bail pending further police inquiries.
The alleged offense carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment under UK law. Greater Manchester Police have confirmed the arrest and ongoing inquiries but have not released further details of the charge beyond it being rape. The victim is receiving support from the police.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has provisionally suspended Haider Ali for the duration of the criminal investigation. The PCB is also providing legal support to protect his rights during the process. The board respects the UK legal process and has reserved the right to take further disciplinary action after the legal proceedings conclude.
Several members of the Pakistan Shaheens team have flown to Australia to take part in a multi-team T20 series.
References:
[1] BBC News. (2025). Pakistani cricketer Haider Ali arrested on suspicion of rape. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/58277465
[2] The Guardian. (2025). Pakistani cricketer Haider Ali arrested on suspicion of rape. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/aug/04/pakistani-cricketer-haider-ali-arrested-on-suspicion-of-rape
[3] ESPNcricinfo. (2025). Haider Ali arrested on suspicion of rape. [online] Available at: https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/30932305/pakistani-cricketer-haider-ali-arrested-suspicion-rape
- Despite the ongoing investigations surrounding his arrest on August 4, 2025, for rape allegations, Haider Ali played football matches with the Pakistan A (Shaheens) team during their tour of England on July 22 and 25.
- As the timeline of events unfolds, sports and general news have been overshadowed by the serious crime-and-justice issue surrounding Pakistani cricketer Haider Ali's arrest, with football taking a back seat in the spotlight.
