Explained | Who is Haider Ali? Pakistani cricketer facing rape charges in the UK

Haider Ali was reportedly under consideration for Pakistan's upcoming tri-series in Sharjah as his suspension has come just days before a possible international recall.

Pakistan cricketer Haider Ali was arrested in Manchester on August 4, 2025, in connection with an alleged rape incident.

The Greater Manchester Police confirmed the arrest of a 24-year-old man following a complaint related to an incident on July 23. Although the police have not publicly named the suspect, multiple sources in the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed it was Haider Ali. He was later released on bail, and his passport has reportedly been seized.

Allegations and arrest during the UK tour

Haider was part of the Pakistan Shaheens squad on a 15-day tour of the UK from July 17 to August 6. The arrest occurred during a match at the Beckenham ground on August 3. Following confirmation of the investigation, the PCB suspended him with immediate effect and announced that it would cooperate fully with legal authorities while also conducting its own internal inquiry. The board has stated that Haider will receive legal support throughout the process.

Haider was visibly distressed at the time of the arrest and has denied the allegations. The PCB said it would determine further action based on the outcome of the legal proceedings and its own code of conduct.

A career already marred by setbacks

Haider made his T20I debut in September 2020 and went on to play 35 matches in the format, scoring 505 runs, including three half-centuries. He was part of Pakistan's marquee clash against India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in the 2022 T20 World Cup tie.

He also played two ODIs for Pakistan and was part of the squad for the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, his last international appearance. Though he has not played Test cricket, his domestic first-class average is over 47, with several centuries.

His career has seen earlier disciplinary issues. In 2021, he was suspended for breaching Covid-19 protocols during the Pakistan Super League. Despite this, he remained in the selection pool. According to an NDTV Sports report, he was being considered by head coach Mike Hesson for the upcoming T20 tri-series in Sharjah later this month.

From Attock to the edge

Born in Attock, Punjab, Haider comes from a modest background. Before pursuing cricket full-time, he supported his family by selling fruit. His rise through the ranks of domestic cricket led to appearances in multiple franchise leagues, including the PSL (Peshawar Zalmi, Karachi Kings, Islamabad United), ILT20 (Dubai Capitals), CPL (Jamaica Tallawahs), and BPL (Fortune Barishal).

The incident has revived discussion around player conduct in Pakistani cricket. It also draws uncomfortable comparisons to previous controversies, including the 2010 spot-fixing scandal. As legal proceedings continue in the UK, Haider Ali’s cricketing career remains in a state of suspension, both formally and figuratively.