By Staff Reporter
LAHORE: Pakistan batsman Haider Ali has been provisionally suspended by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) following his arrest and ongoing criminal investigation by Greater Manchester Police in the UK over an alleged rape during the Pakistan A team’s tour of England, officials said on Thursday.
Greater Manchester Police confirmed in an email to Reuters that they arrested a 24-year-old man on August 4, 2025, after receiving a report of a rape. “It’s alleged that the incident occurred on Wednesday 23 July 2025 at a premises in Manchester,” the police stated. “The man has since been bailed pending further enquiries. The victim is being supported by officers.”
The PCB announced Ali’s suspension in a statement on Thursday, saying it had been informed of the investigation by British authorities. “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,” the board said. “Accordingly, the PCB has decided to place Haider Ali under provisional suspension, effective immediately, pending the outcome of the ongoing investigation.”
The incident reportedly took place during the Pakistan Shaheens’ tour of England, which ran from July 17 to August 6, 2025, under the captaincy of Saud Shakeel. The 18-member squad, including Ali, played two three-day matches and three 50-over matches.
The PCB did not disclose further details of the incident in its 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 board added. It also noted that it reserves the right to take further action under its Code of Conduct once the legal proceedings conclude. “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,” the statement read.
Ali, a 24-year-old right-handed aggressive batsman, has represented Pakistan in 35 Twenty20 internationals (T20Is) since his debut in 2020, scoring 505 runs at an average of 17.41 with three half-centuries.
He has also played two one-day internationals (ODIs) and featured in 164 T20 matches overall, amassing 3,141 runs with 17 fifties. In the Pakistan Super League, he has turned out for prominent franchises such as Islamabad United and Peshawar Zalmi. The PCB concluded its statement by saying it would refrain from further comment until the investigation reaches its conclusion. “Until such time as the legal process reaches its conclusion, the PCB will not offer further comment on the matter,” it said.
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