Pakistan batter arrested in UK over rape charges; PCB suspends him

In an interesting turn of events, the young and upcoming Pakistan batter Haider Ali has been provisionally suspended by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) after learning the news of his arrest by Greater Manchester Police (GMP) in the United Kingdom.

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Greater Manchester Police told The Associated Press that on Monday, August 4 that they received a report of a rape and that “we have arrested a 24-year-old man.” Notably, the suspension by the PCB will remain in place pending the outcome of the inquiry. 

“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 Police statement read.

It’s important to note that this incident took place during Pakistan Shaheen’s recent tour of England, which ended on Tuesday, August 5, against South Asian Cricket Academy & MCC Young Cricketers in a three-day fixture.

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"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," PCB said in its statement.

"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,” the statement further read.

Notably, Haider Ali has represented the national team in two one-day internationals and 35 T20s for Pakistan since making his international debut in 2020. The PCB has further stated that the young batter was provided with appropriate legal support.

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“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 added.

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