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Pakistan batter Haider Ali has been involved in another controversial setback. In 2021, he was suspended for reportedly breaching COVID-19 protocols during Pakistan Super League in Abu Dhabi, and as a punishment withdrawn from the team’s tours to England and West Indies in 2021. Haider’s recent outing was the Pakistan Shaheen’s England tour, which ran from July 17 to August 6, 2025, the series included two drawn three-day matches and a 2-1 victory in a one-day series. Most players, except Haider Ali and captain Saud Shakeel returned to Pakistan on August 6. Saud Shakeel stayed in Dubai for personal reasons, and Haider Ali remained in the UK.
The reason for Haider Ali staying back in the UK has been a controversial allegations against him. Haider Ali was arrested in the United Kingdom on allegations of rape during the Pakistan Shaheens’ recent tour of England. The 24-year-old was taken into custody by Greater Manchester Police on August 3, 2025, at the Beckenham ground while playing a match against the MCC Young Cricketers and South Asian Cricket Academy XI (MCSAC). Ali was subsequently released on bail, but his passport has been seized, and he faces a travel ban as investigations continue.
PCB has immediately suspended Haider Ali from all cricketing activities
According to Greater Manchester Police, the alleged incident occurred on July 23, 2025, at a premises in Manchester and a report of rape was filed on August 4, 2025. Reportedly the complaint was filed by a woman of Pakistani origin The arrest took place in a dramatic scene, with police reportedly escorting Haider Ali off the field mid-match. Ali, visibly distressed, was said to be in tears and pleaded not guilty during initial questioning. Pakistan Cricket Board reportedly acted decisively upon learning of the allegations, issuing a statement acknowledging the criminal investigation and announcing Ali’s immediate suspension from all cricketing activities. “The PCB has been made aware of a criminal investigation currently being conducted by the Greater Manchester Police involving cricketer Haider Ali,” the board stated.
The board emphasized its commitment to cooperating fully with UK authorities, stating, “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.” This incident adds to a troubling history of off-field controversies for Pakistan cricket. In 2010, the sport was rocked by a spot-fixing scandal during a tour of England, leading to the arrest and imprisonment of then-captain Salman Butt, Mohammad Amir, and Mohammad Asif. All three were banned for five years, casting a long shadow over the sport’s reputation in Pakistan.
