London, August 7, 2025 – Pakistani cricketer Haider Ali, a 24-year-old right-handed batsman, has been arrested by Greater Manchester Police in connection with an alleged rape incident during the Pakistan Shaheens’ recent tour of England. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has responded by provisionally suspending Ali pending the outcome of the ongoing investigation.
According to sources, the incident occurred during the Shaheens’ tour, which ran from July 17 to August 6, 2025, and included two three-day matches and a three-match one-day series. Ali was reportedly taken into custody on August 3 at the Beckenham ground in Canterbury, where the Shaheens were playing against MCSAC.
A team source described the scene as “shocking,” stating that police walked onto the field to arrest Ali mid-match. The complaint was filed by a woman of Pakistani origin in Manchester, though specific details of the allegation remain undisclosed due to legal sensitivities.
Ali, who has represented Pakistan in two ODIs and 35 T20Is, was released on bail but had his passport confiscated, restricting his ability to leave the UK. Sources report that Ali was emotional during the arrest, pleading not guilty during initial questioning. The PCB issued a statement confirming they were informed of the investigation and emphasized their commitment to respecting UK legal processes.
“The PCB has ensured that Haider Ali has received appropriate legal support to protect his rights throughout this process,” the statement read. The board has suspended Ali effective immediately and will refrain from further comment until the legal proceedings conclude.
The PCB also noted that it reserves the right to take further action under its Code of Conduct once the investigation is complete. Ali’s suspension casts uncertainty over his cricketing career, especially as he was reportedly in line for a return to the national team for a T20 tri-series in Sharjah later this month, having impressed new white-ball coach Mike Hesson during the UK tour.
This incident adds to a history of controversies involving Pakistani cricketers abroad. In 2010, players Salman Butt, Mohammad Amir, and Mohammad Asif were jailed and banned for spot-fixing during a tour of England. Ali himself faced a prior suspension in 2021 for breaching COVID-19 protocols during the Pakistan Super League.
The Pakistan Shaheens concluded their UK tour with draws in both three-day matches and a 2-1 victory in the one-day series. Most players returned to Pakistan on Wednesday, except for Ali and team captain Saud Shakeel, who remained in Dubai for personal reasons.
As the investigation unfolds, the cricketing community and fans await further clarity on Ali’s future. The PCB has pledged full cooperation with the authorities and will conduct its own inquiry in the UK to ensure all facts are established. For now, Ali’s career hangs in the balance as legal proceedings take their course.
