Pakistan’s Haider Ali suspended amid sexual assault allegation, under “criminal investigation” in UK

Pakistan cricket team star Haider Ali has been suspended by the Pakistan Cricket Board after the latter was made aware of a criminal investigation against him in the UK. Ali, who was recently a part of the Pakistan Shaheens touring England, has reportedly been accused of rape. Issuing a statement, the PCB said that it will provide legal support to Haider to “protect his rights throughout the process.”

Pakistan’s Haider Ali under criminal investigation in UK

As per Associated Press, the Greater Manchester Police – without revealing the name of the accused – said that they arrested a 24-year-old man after receiving a report of an alleged rape earlier this week. The quoted the GMP saying that he has been bailed since then pending further enquiries.

“We have arrested a 24-year-old man. 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 GMP said in a statement.

PCB issues statement

In a statement, the PCB said that it was placing Haider Ali under provisional suspension, pending the outcome of the investigation. The board said that it reserves its right to take action under the Code of Conduct once the investigation is complete.

“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. 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. 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 PCB statement read.