Pakistani cricketer Haider Ali is under investigation by the Greater Manchester Police after a British Pakistani woman accused him of rape at a Manchester hotel.
Police confirmed they received a report on Monday, August 4, and arrested the 24-year-old cricketer shortly after. The alleged incident is said to have taken place on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, during Pakistan Shaheens’ recent tour of England, which concluded on Monday. Authorities stated that the woman is currently receiving support, and Haider has been released on bail while investigations continue.
In his police interview, Haider Ali denied the allegation. According to those close to him, he acknowledged knowing the woman and said they were friends who had arranged to meet at the hotel.
Haider was taken into custody from the Players’ Canteen Office at the Spitfire County Cricket Ground in Kent by Kent Police. Sources confirm he was not handcuffed during the arrest and was transported to Canterbury Police Station for questioning.
In response to the situation, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has placed Haider Ali under provisional suspension for the duration of the investigation.
The PCB released a statement emphasizing their respect for the legal processes in the UK and clarified that the suspension is effective immediately. The board also stated that it will await the conclusion of the legal proceedings before taking any further action under its Code of Conduct.
The offence Haider is accused of carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment in the UK.
Haider, who made his Pakistan debut in 2020, has played two ODIs and 35 T20Is, scoring 547 runs across formats with three half-centuries. He was part of Pakistan’s squads for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cups in 2021 and 2022
This is a developing situation.
Source: Geo News, ESPN
