Haider Ali suspended by PCB after his arrest in UK for rape allegations- Reports

Haider Ali was in England with the Pakistan Shaheens team.

Pakistan batter Haider Ali is the subject of a criminal inquiry in England. It has now come to light that the athlete was taken into custody in relation to a sexual molestation case. The player has been immediately suspended by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in response to the development. Later, he was freed on bond.

Haider (24), who has represented Pakistan in two ODIs and 35 T20Is, was reportedly taken into custody by Greater Manchester police at Hove approximately three days ago. On August 3, the right-hander was playing for the Pakistan Shaheens in a one-day match at Beckenheim.

Due to legal requirements, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) did not identify the suspect in their investigation; however, according to Telecom Asia Sports and other sources, Haider Ali has been arrested in connection with the rape case.

PCB suspends Haider Ali, but provides him with legal help in the UK

The Pakistan Shaheens’ tour concluded on August 6 after a 2-1 victory in the one-day series and two drawn three-day matches. While the majority of the team has left for Pakistan, Haider Ali and Captain Saud Shakeel have remained, raising the possibility that Haider was arrested.

According to reports, authorities confiscated Haider’s passport before granting him bail, but the case is far from over. The PCB said it has been made aware of a criminal investigation currently being conducted by the Greater Manchester Police.

“The investigation pertains to an incident that reportedly occurred during the Pakistan Shaheens’ recent tour of England. 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 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 PCB stated in a statement.

The young batter’s career has been a rollercoaster since his international debut in 2020. He has played only 2 ODIs and 35 T20Is for Pakistan so far.

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