Haider Ali Archives

Pakistan’s Haider Ali found not guilty in UK case

MANCHESTER: Pakistan cricketer Haider Ali has been cleared of rape allegations in the United Kingdom (UK) after Greater Manchester Police dropped the case, citing a lack of evidence.

Police and Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) sources confirmed on Wednesday that the investigation has been closed, with insufficient material to support the claims made by a British-Pakistani woman.

The 24-year-old batter, who was represented by barrister Moeen Khan, is now free to leave the UK and has collected his passport from the police.

Ali had been arrested on August 4 while touring with Pakistan Shaheens. He was taken into custody from the players’ canteen at the Spitfire County Cricket Ground in Kent and later interviewed at Canterbury Police Station.

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The woman alleged the incident took place at a Manchester hotel on July 23 and claimed they met again in Ashford on August 1, before filing her complaint four days later.

During questioning, Ali denied the allegation, stating that he knew the woman personally and that the accusation came as a shock to him.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had provisionally suspended him while the investigation was ongoing.

Notably, the 24-year-old has represented Pakistan in two ODIs and 35 T20Is since making his international debut in 2020. His last appearance for the Green Shirts was in 2023 against Afghanistan during the Asian Games.

READ: Sufiyan Muqeem becomes Pakistan’s highest-ranked T20I bowler

Fresh details emerge in Haider Ali criminal investigation

New information has come to light in the ongoing police investigation involving Pakistani cricketer Haider Ali, who is under investigation over alleged rape.

According to sources privy to the matter, the hotel in Manchester was booked by the girl who accused Haider Ali of rape.

Sources said the girl travelled to London to meet the Pakistani cricketer three days before filing her complaint with the police.

The accuser went to London by train, spent the entire day with the Pakistani cricketer, and then returned to Manchester, sources added.

It is noteworthy to mention that the Police have summoned Haider Ali again on August 20.

Three days prior, the police had returned Haider Ali’s mobile phone after conducting a forensic examination.

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For the unversed, Haider Ali was reportedly taken into custody on August 4.

News about the criminal investigation emerged after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced its decision to suspend the 24-year-old cricketer.

In a press release a day earlier, the PCB confirmed criminal charges levelled against the Pakistani cricketer and maintained that it ensured that he received appropriate legal support to protect his rights throughout this process.

“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,” the Pakistan Cricket Board said.

The PCB also provisionally suspended Haider Ali, 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 Pakistan Cricket Board said.

It is worth noting here that Haider Ali made his international debut for Pakistan in 2020. He has since played in 35 T20Is and two ODIs for the national side.

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PCB announces Haider Ali’s replacement in Pakistan Shaheens Squad for Top End T20 Series

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has replaced Haider Ali with Mohammad Faiq in the Shaheens squad for the upcoming Top End T20 Series in Darwin, Australia, scheduled from August 14 to 24.

In another change, pacer Mohammad Wasim Jr comes in for left-arm fast bowler Salman Mirza.

Salman was also overlooked for the senior side for the upcoming T20I series against the West Indies despite making an impressive debut earlier this year against Bangladesh.

Middle-order batter Haider was removed from the squad after he was temporarily suspended due to a criminal investigation against him in the United Kingdom.

“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 earlier.

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“The investigation pertains to an incident that reportedly occurred during the Pakistan Shaheens’ recent tour of England.”

Led by Muhammad Irfan Khan, the Shaheens will begin their campaign against Bangladesh ‘A’ on August 14 at TIO Stadium.

The squad includes experienced internationals such as Abdul Samad (five T20Is), Faisal Akram (three ODIs), and Mubasir Khan (one T20I).

The team will go on to face Scorchers (August 16) and Renegades (August 18) at TIO Stadium before playing Kingsmen (August 19), Strikers (August 21), and Nepal (August 22) at DXC Arena. The semi-finals and final are scheduled for August 24.

Pakistan Shaheens updated squad

Muhammad Irfan Khan (captain), Abdul Samad, Ahmed Daniyal, Faisal Akram, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay (wicket-keeper), Maaz Sadaqat, Mehran Mumtaz, Mohammad Faiq, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wicket-keeper), Mubasir Khan, Saad Masood, Shahid Aziz, Ubaid Shah, Yasir Khan.

Team management: Ghulam Ali (head coach), Sami Ullah Niazi (bowling coach), Mansoor Amjad (fielding coach), Muhammad Ibrahim (analyst), Muhammad Aleem (physio).

READ: Babar on verge of surpassing Kohli’s record in West Indies series

Haider Ali barred from leaving UK after police custody

Pakistani cricketer Haider Ali has been granted bail after being arrested in Manchester during the recently concluded Pakistan Shaheens tour of England.

Despite his release, he faces travel restrictions as authorities continue their investigation, sources confirm.

The 24-year-old, who has represented Pakistan in 35 T20 internationals, was detained for three days.

As a result, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has provisionally suspended Haider Ali.

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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 board said in a statement.

“The investigation pertains to an incident that reportedly occurred during the Pakistan Shaheens’ recent tour of England,” it added.

The PCB mentioned additional steps to provide legal support to safeguard Haider Ali’s rights.

“In line with its duty of care and responsibility to ensure the welfare and legal rights of all its players, the PCB has ensured that Haider Ali has received appropriate legal support to protect his rights throughout this process,” the board said.

The board further stated that it fully respects the legal procedures and processes of the United Kingdom and acknowledges the need for the investigation to unfold properly.

During the tour, Pakistan Shaheens featured in a three-match one-day series and two three-day fixtures.

Haider Ali was a key player for Pakistan Shaheens during the UK tour, participating in all three 50-over matches against a first-class XI and two three-day games.

READ: Babar Azam eyes major milestone during West Indies ODIs

PCB provisionally suspends Haider Ali amid ongoing investigation

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has provisionally suspended middle-order batter Haider Ali following an incident that reportedly occurred during the Pakistan Shaheen’s recent tour of England.

According to the report, the board has been informed of an ongoing criminal investigation currently being conducted by the police against Haider Ali.

“The PCB has been made aware of a criminal investigation currently being conducted by the Greater Manchester Police involving cricketer Haider Ali,” the board said in a statement.

“The investigation pertains to an incident that reportedly occurred during the Pakistan Shaheens’ recent tour of England,” it added.

The PCB mentioned additional steps to provide legal support to safeguard Haider Ali’s rights.

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The board further stated that it fully respects the legal procedures and processes of the United Kingdom and acknowledges the need for the investigation to unfold properly.

As a result, Haider Ali is under immediate provisional suspension pending the outcome of the current investigation.

Notably, the 24-year-old has represented Pakistan in two ODIs and 35 T20 Internationals, with his last appearance for the Green Shirts coming in 2023 against Afghanistan during the Asian Games.

READ: Shahid Afridi reveals key factors behind Pakistan’s decline in Test cricket

Haider Ali, Azan Awais help Pakistan Shaheens clinch series over PCC Select XI

SUSSEX: Azan Awais and Haider Ali struck half-centuries to hand Pakistan Shaheens a five-wicket win over the Professional County Club (PCC) Select XI in the third one-day match here on Sunday.

The victory also helped the Shaheens clinch the three-match series 2-1.

Chasing 261 to win, Pakistan Shaheens’ openers Shamyl Hussain and Azan Awais provided a solid 101-run start to the innings.

Left-hander Shamyl was the first to depart, returning to the pavilion after scoring 40 off 55 balls, including four boundaries.

Azan Awais was then joined by Mohammad Suleman and the pair stitched a 68-run stand for the second wicket, with Suleman contributing a brisk 44 off 40 balls, hitting four fours and three sixes.

After Suleman’s dismissal in the 31st over, captain Saud Shakeel (1 off 6) was soon back in the pavilion, leaving Pakistan Shaheens three down for 171 in 31.2 overs.

At that crucial juncture, Azan was joined by Haider Ali, who had earlier played a match-winning knock in the first one-day match.

The pair added 33 runs for the fourth wicket before Azan fell for a composed 88 off 104 balls, laced with 12 fours and a six.

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Pakistan Shaheens reached the target with 37 balls to spare, due to a quick-fire knock from Haider Ali, who remained unbeaten on 55 off 40 balls, striking five fours and three towering sixes.

For the Professional County Club Select XI, leg-spinner Harrison was the most successful bowler, claiming two wickets for 48 runs in eight overs.

Earlier in the day, right-arm fast bowler Ubaid Shah returned impressive figures of 4 for 41 in 9.4 overs to help bundle out the hosts for 260 in 46.4 overs.

Ubaid not only dismissed in-form opener Will Smeed (8), but also removed Ollie Sykes, top scorer for his side with a 56-ball 64, including two fours and five sixes.

Tom Lawes contributed 49, while wicketkeeper-batter Thomas made 44 off 52 balls before being bowled by Ubaid.

Musa Khan was also amongst the wickets, claiming 2 for 39, while Mir Hamza and Saud picked up a wicket each.

Having won the first one-day match by five wickets (DLS method), Pakistan Shaheens will now take on the Professional County Club (PCC) Select XI in the first three-day match, commencing from 29 July at the same venue.

The second three-day match will be against South Asian Cricket Academy & MCC Young Cricketers at the Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence, Canterbury from 3 to 5 August.

READ: Shikhar Dhawan comments on India facing Pakistan in WCL 2025 semi-final

Haider Ali opens up after guiding Pakistan Shaheens to victory

KENT: Pakistan Shaheens’ batter Haider Ali has credited strong communication and tactical planning with skipper Saud Shakeel for their match-winning partnership in the opening one-day match against the Professional County Club Select XI.

Speaking after the five-wicket victory at Kent County Cricket Ground in Beckenham, Haider revealed that the early loss of wickets had put him under pressure when he walked out to bat.

“There was pressure when I came in to bat. We had lost three wickets quickly, so my focus was on building a solid partnership with Saud and staying at the crease as long as possible,” Haider said.

The pitch, he noted, wasn’t easy to bat on early in the innings due to overhead conditions. However, he emphasised that professional players are expected to adapt.

“The pitch was a bit tricky in the beginning, and weather conditions were also a factor, but professionals learn to adapt,” he said.

“Saud and I communicated well; we’ve played together before, so the understanding was already there,” he added.

Haider Ali shared that the duo decided to be smart with their shot selection and target specific bowlers and overs.

“There was wind blowing from one side, so we picked the bowlers and overs where we would attack and try to get the runs we needed. Saud is always supportive and guides a lot during batting,” he further stated.

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The right-hander played a crucial role in the chase, scoring 71 off 56 balls with five boundaries and three sixes.

His 129-run stand with captain Saud Shakeel helped rescue the Shaheens after a top-order wobble had left them struggling at 32 for three in 5.1 overs.

The Shaheens were chasing a revised target of 204 in a rain-hit contest reduced to 28 overs per side.

After Haider’s dismissal in the 24th over, Maaz Sadaqat and later Shahid Aziz stepped in to support Saud, who anchored the innings with an unbeaten 72 off 72 balls.

Shahid chipped in with a valuable 21* off 11 balls to see the team home on the second-last delivery.

Earlier, Professional County Club Select XI were bowled out for 187 in 27.4 overs, with opener Will Smeed top-scoring with 84.

Maaz Sadaqat claimed 3 for 28, while Saud and Faisal Akram bagged two wickets each.

The second match of the three-game series will take place at the same venue on Friday, with the first ball to be bowled at 3pm PKT.

READ: Former Pakistan pacer blasts Mike Hesson after series loss to Bangladesh

Saud Shakeel, Haider Ali guide Pakistan Shaheens to victory

KENT: Skipper Saud Shakeel and Haider Ali struck half-centuries to guide Pakistan Shaheens to a five-wicket win on the DLS method over the Professional County Club Select XI here on Tuesday.

In the rain-affected match at the Kent County Cricket Ground in Beckenham, which was reduced to 28 overs per side, Shaheens were handed a revised target of 204.

During the run chase, both Shaheens openers, Ali Zaryab (8) and Azan Awais (8) were dismissed in the fourth over.

Omair Bin Yousuf, coming in at number three, was also dismissed early, scoring just two off four balls, leaving Shaheens struggling at 32 for three in 5.1 overs.

At that critical juncture, captain Saud Shakeel was joined by Haider Ali and the pair took control of the innings.

They played with authority and put together a match-defining 129-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Haider struck five fours and three sixes in his 56-ball 71.

After Haider’s dismissal in the 24th over, with Pakistan Shaheens still requiring 43 runs for victory, Maaz Sadaqat joined the captain at the crease.

However, Maaz was dismissed after scoring five off eight balls, with the visitors still needing 30 from the final 15 deliveries.

At that stage, Shahid Aziz joined Saud and the duo kept their nerves, guiding the side home on the penultimate delivery of the match.

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Shahid remained unbeaten on 21 off 11 balls, hitting a four and a six, while captain Saud’s unbeaten knock of 72 came off 72 balls and included four boundaries.

For the Professional County Club Select XI, Tom Lawes was the most successful bowler, claiming two wickets for 38 runs.

Earlier, after electing to bat first, Professional County Club Select XI were bowled out for 187 in 27.4 overs.

Opening batter Will Smeed was the top scorer with a 62-ball 84, which included 10 fours and two sixes.

Hamza Shaikh also made a notable contribution, scoring 44 off 51 balls with six boundaries.

For Shaheens, Maaz Sadaqat was the most successful bowler, finishing with figures of 3 for 28.

Saud Shakeel and Faisal Akram supported well with their left-arm spin, picking up two wickets apiece.

Pakistan Shaheens and Professional County Club Select XI will now feature in the second one-day match of the three-match series at the same venue on Friday, with the first ball to be bowled at 3pm PKT.

READ: Former Pakistan pacer blasts Mike Hesson after series loss to Bangladesh

Haider Ali breaks silence on his exclusion from New Zealand tour

Pakistan batter Haider Ali has opened up about his exclusion from the national squad for the upcoming white-ball series against New Zealand.

In a recent interview, the 24-year-old batter confirmed that a hand injury ruled him out of selection while revealing that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) selectors had already communicated this to him.

“Due to a hand injury, I am not part of the squad for the New Zealand tour. The selectors had a discussion with me regarding this,” Haider said.

His omission came as a surprise to many, especially considering the young squad Pakistan has assembled for the series, with Salman Ali Agha leading the side as captain and Shadab Khan as his deputy.

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Interestingly, Haider Ali was recently part of the PCB’s Strike Force Camp, a 90-day program focused on power-hitting under the supervision of former all-rounder Abdul Razzaq.

The initiative is part of the PCB’s long-term plan to strengthen Pakistan’s T20 setup by grooming young players and addressing key performance areas.

It’s worth noting that Haider has represented Pakistan in 35 T20Is, accumulating 505 runs at an average of 17.41 and a strike rate of 124.69, including three half-centuries.

His last appearance in the shortest format for Pakistan came against Afghanistan in 2023.

READ: No Pakistani cricketers picked in The Hundred 2025 draft

Haider Ali receives silent welcome upon Pakistan return after Paralympic bronze win

ISLAMABAD: Haider Ali returned home on Tuesday after winning the bronze medal in the Men’s Discus Throw F37 event at the Paris Paralympics 2024.

However, he did not receive a hero’s welcome with only a few officials from the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) and members of the National Paralympic Committee receiving him at Islamabad Airport.

Pakistan’s most successful para-athlete arrived back home on Tuesday on an international flight after securing another medal at the Paralympics on Thursday.

For the unversed, he bagged his fourth Paralympic medal at the iconic Stade de France in Paris last week.

During the Discus Throw F37 event, Haider Ali secured the medal with an impressive final throw, which soared to a distance of 52.54 meters.

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Prior to the Paralympics, Pakistan’s star athlete Arshad Nadeem ended the country’s 32-year medal drought in the Olympics after bagging a gold medal with the longest throw of 92.97 meters in the javelin final of the Paris Olympics 2024.

Unlike Haider Ali, Arshad received a grand welcome upon his return to the country as he was received by the Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif.

A large crowd, including family members, federal ministers, and dignitaries, gathered at the airport to greet the champion, while people from his hometown, Mian Channu, also reached Lahore to participate in the celebrations

As Arshad Nadeem’s flight entered Pakistani airspace, the air traffic controller extended a warm welcome, praising him for bringing honour to the country.

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