Pakistan cricket plunged into fresh controversy after national cricketer Haider Ali was arrested by Greater Manchester Police over a serious allegation made by a girl, reportedly of rape, during the ongoing Pakistan Shaheens tour of the United Kingdom.
According to sources, the 24-year-old batter was taken into custody on August 3 from the Canterbury ground while playing a match against MCSAC.
Police walked onto the field and arrested Haider mid-match. It was a shocking scene. We’re told the complaint was filed by a Pakistan-origin girl in Manchester.
Haider was released on bail, but not before his passport was confiscated. The incident prompted immediate action from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
We were informed of the arrest and ongoing investigation. Haider has been suspended pending inquiry, and we will conduct our own investigation in the UK. The board will also provide Haider legal and emotional support during this difficult period.
Sources close to the team said the young player was “in tears” following the arrest and pleaded not guilty during questioning.
Rising Star in Crisis
Haider, once seen as a promising talent, represented Pakistan in 2 ODIs and 35 T20 internationals, his last appearance coming at the Asian Games two years ago. He also featured in the 2020 Under-19 World Cup, alongside India's Yashasvi Jaiswal, where he was rated among Pakistan’s brightest prospects.
During the 2021 PSL in Abu Dhabi, Haider had earlier faced disciplinary action after breaching COVID-19 protocols, which led to his removal from Pakistan’s squad for tours to England and the West Indies.
Career Setback at Crucial Time
The timing of the arrest is particularly damaging, as sources say new white-ball coach Mike Hesson had plans to bring Haider back for the upcoming T20 tri-series in Sharjah later this month.
Hesson was impressed with Haider’s form and attitude during the UK tour. This incident has now put his career in serious jeopardy.
The Pakistan Shaheens concluded their UK tour on August 6, drawing both three-day matches and winning the one-day series 2–1. All players except Haider and captain Saud Shakeel returned to Pakistan, with Shakeel making a stopover in Dubai for personal reasons.
Pakistan Cricket’s Troubled Past
The episode adds to Pakistan cricket’s long list of controversies involving player conduct abroad. The most infamous came in 2010, when then captain Salman Butt, along with pacers Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Asif, were jailed and banned for spot-fixing during a tour of England.
As investigations unfold, Haider Ali’s arrest could be another sobering chapter for a system repeatedly questioned for its handling of young talent.
