Manchester:
Pakistani cricketer Haider Ali has been arrested in the United Kingdom on rape charges, casting a shadow over his career and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). The 24-year-old was taken into custody by Greater Manchester Police on August 4, 2025, in connection with an alleged incident on July 23.
While police have not officially named the suspect, PCB sources confirmed it was Haider Ali. He was released on bail, and his passport has reportedly been confiscated.
BREAKING : Pakistani cricketer Haidar Ali was arrested in UK for r*ping a minor Christian girl on 23 July and his passport has been seized by UK police… pic.twitter.com/zJRK0OSyIH
— Fatima Khan (@Fatima_Khatun01) August 8, 2025
Allegations and Arrest During UK Tour
Haider was in England as part of the Pakistan Shaheens’ 15-day tour from July 17 to August 6. His arrest took place during a match at Beckenham on August 3.
Following confirmation of the investigation, the PCB suspended him with immediate effect and pledged full cooperation with UK authorities. The board also announced an internal inquiry, stating that Haider would be provided with legal support during the process.
Visibly distressed at the time of his arrest, Haider has denied all allegations. The PCB has said further action will depend on the legal proceedings and its own code of conduct review.
A Career of Promise and Setbacks
Haider made his T20I debut in September 2020 and has since played 35 matches in the format, scoring 505 runs, including three half-centuries. He featured in Pakistan’s high-profile clash against India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground during the 2022 T20 World Cup and has also played two ODIs. His last international outing came during the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou.
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Although he has not yet played Test cricket, his domestic first-class record is impressive, boasting an average above 47 with multiple centuries.
His career, however, has faced turbulence before. In 2021, he was suspended for breaching Covid-19 protocols during the Pakistan Super League. Despite that setback, he remained in contention for national selection, and according to NDTV Sports, was being considered by head coach Mike Hesson for an upcoming T20 tri-series in Sharjah later this month.
From Humble Beginnings to Global Leagues
Born in Attock, Punjab, Haider comes from a modest background. Before committing to cricket full-time, he supported his family by selling fruit. His talent saw him rise quickly through domestic ranks, earning places in multiple franchise leagues including the Pakistan Super League (Peshawar Zalmi, Karachi Kings, Islamabad United), ILT20 (Dubai Capitals), Caribbean Premier League (Jamaica Tallawahs), and Bangladesh Premier League (Fortune Barishal).
A Broader Discussion on Player Conduct
The case has reignited debates around player behaviour and discipline in Pakistani cricket, drawing parallels with past controversies, notably the 2010 spot-fixing scandal.
With legal proceedings ongoing in the UK, Haider Ali’s career remains suspended both in official terms and in the uncertainty surrounding his future in the sport.
