Pakistan’s Haider Ali is under investigation by the UK Police for a rape allegation. PHOTO: REUTERS/File
BENGALURU:
Batsman Haider Ali is being investigated by Greater Manchester Police after he was arrested following an incident during the Pakistan A team’s tour of England, officials said on Thursday.
When contacted by Reuters about the criminal investigation into Ali, the Greater Manchester Police said in an email: “After receiving a report on Monday 4 August 2025 of a rape, we have arrested a 24-year-old man.
“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.”
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) issued a press release addressing the matter.
“The PCB has been made aware of a criminal investigation currently being conducted by the Greater Manchester Police involving cricketer Haider Ali. The investigation pertains to an incident that reportedly occurred during the Pakistan Shaheens’ recent tour of England,” read the press statement.
“In line with its duty of care and responsibility to ensure the welfare and legal rights of all its players, the PCB has ensured that Haider Ali has received appropriate legal support to protect his rights throughout this process.
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.
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.
Until such time as the legal process reaches its conclusion, the PCB will not offer further comment on the matter.”
Ali has represented Pakistan in 35 Twenty20 internationals since making his debut in 2020 as well as two one-day Internationals.
Haider Ali, Salman Mirza excluded
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced two changes to the Pakistan Shaheens squad for the upcoming Top End T20 Series in Darwin, Australia, scheduled from August 14 to 24.
Batter Haider Ali has been replaced by Mohammad Faiq after being provisionally suspended on disciplinary grounds, while fast bowler Mohammad Wasim Jnr has been named in place of left-arm pacer Salman Mirza.
Salman, 31, was also excluded from the national team for the recently concluded T20I series against West Indies, despite an impressive debut in the Bangladesh series. He finished as the leading wicket-taker in that series with seven wickets in three matches at an economy rate of 5.21.
The Shaheens squad features experienced players, including Abdul Samad (five T20Is), Faisal Akram (three ODIs), and Mubasir Khan (one T20I). The team will be led by Muhammad Irfan Khan.
Shaheens will open their campaign against Bangladesh ‘A’ on August 14 at TIO Stadium, followed by matches against Scorchers (August 16) and Renegades (August 18) at the same venue. They will then face Kingsmen (August 19), Strikers (August 20), and Nepal (August 22) at DXC Arena. The semi-finals and final are scheduled for August 24.
Pakistan 15-member squad:
Muhammad Irfan Khan (c), Abdul Samad, Ahmed Daniyal, Faisal Akram, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay (wk), Maaz Sadaqat, Mehran Mumtaz, Mohammad Faiq, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wk), Mubasir Khan, Saad Masood, Shahid Aziz, Ubaid Shah, Yasir Khan.
Team management:
Ghulam Ali (head coach), Sami Ullah Niazi (bowling coach), Mansoor Amjad (fielding coach), Muhammad Ibrahim (analyst), Muhammad Aleem (physio).
Fixtures:
Aug 14: vs Bangladesh ‘A’, TIO Stadium; Aug 16: vs Scorchers, TIO Stadium; Aug 18: vs Renegades, TIO Stadium; Aug 19: vs Kingsmen, DXC Arena; Aug 20: vs Strikers, DXC Arena; Aug 22: vs Nepal, DXC Arena; Aug 24: Semi-finals and final.