Haider Ali sets bold promise before his ascension to the UAE national team: "I'll either make you proud or I won't return"
Haider Ali: The Rising Star of UAE Cricket
Haider Ali, a spin bowler for the UAE national cricket team, has been making waves in the cricket world. His journey, marked by determination and resilience, began in a remote village in Pakistan's Punjab before he moved to Lahore to pursue his cricket dreams.
After completing his secondary education, Haider Ali made the bold decision to broaden his horizons and move to the UAE. This move, though tough, has been instrumental in his career. The Emirates Cricket Board has been a pillar of support, providing for his family for over three and a half years.
From Humble Beginnings to International Stardom
Haider Ali's professional cricket career started in Lahore, but it was in the UAE where he truly found his footing. His distinctive brand of flat left-arm spin brought him to the notice of the selectors of the Pakistan Under-19 side, marking the start of a promising career.
Haider Ali's achievements are numerous. He was instrumental in the UAE’s historic series victory over Bangladesh in May 2025, the UAE’s first series win against a major cricket nation. In the deciding T20 game, he took three wickets for seven runs in four overs, including a double-wicket maiden, cementing his status as a key bowler.
Haider Ali was also named the best bowler in an international tournament in Uganda featuring Nigeria and Kenya, earning memorable awards such as a 32-inch LED TV and a hippopotamus statue. His rising performances have made him a central figure in the UAE squad and a symbol of their growing cricket ambitions.
Ambitious Future Goals
Haider Ali is focused on the Asia Cup in September, where the UAE will be in a group with India and Pakistan. He expressed a strong commitment to the UAE cricket team, emphasizing his responsibility to take care of it as a family. He vowed to continue making his nation proud, implying ongoing dedication to improvement and team success.
A Man of Many Talents
Despite being primarily recognized for his bowling achievements, Haider Ali has also shown flashes of brilliance with the bat. A TikTok video showcases him scoring 71 runs in a notable innings, suggesting a versatile cricketer in the making.
Haider Ali: More Than Just a Cricketer
Haider Ali lost his father one and a half years ago, but he hopes his father was proud of the man he became. He is also estranged from his birth parents for much of his life, but he supports his village in Pakistan financially, paying for children's school fees and uniforms.
Haider Ali is thankful to Ahmed Raza and Rohan Mustafa for promoting his cause, and he was recently selected by Dubai Capitals after catching the eye at the first ILT20 development tournament.
In conclusion, Haider Ali's international career is defined by his rapid rise from Pakistan to becoming a key bowler for the UAE, achieving landmark victories, and committing to future success with his adopted national side. Despite the challenges he has faced, Haider Ali remains focused, ambitious, and dedicated to his craft, making him a beacon of hope for the UAE cricket team.
- Haider Ali's journey from a remote village in Pakistan to international stardom in the UAE has been marked by determination and resilience.
- The UAE's cricket ambitions received a boost with Haider Ali's impressive performances, such as his three wickets for seven runs in the deciding T20 game against Bangladesh.
- Haider Ali's talents extend beyond cricket, as seen from a TikTok video where he scored 71 runs in a notable innings.
- Haider Ali's success on the field is matched by his philanthropy off it, as he supports his village in Pakistan financially, paying for children's school fees and uniforms.
