The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have provisionally suspended batsman Haider Ali after he was arrested on suspicion of alleged rape during this summer’s tour of England.
Police have opened a criminal investigation over an alleged incident which took place in Manchester on July 23.
Ali, 24, has been released on bail and an investigation is ongoing.
A Greater Manchester Police (GMP) statement read: “After receiving a report on Monday 4 August 2025 of a rape, 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 victim is being supported by officers.”
The PCB confirmed the provisional suspension on Thursday, stating the governing body had been notified of a GMP investigation involving Ali.
The PCB said the alleged incident is reported to have occurred during Pakistan A’s five-match tour of England, which took place between July 22 and August 5.
A PCB statement read: “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.”
The governing body of cricket in Pakistan added Ali’s suspension is “effective immediately” and pending the outcome of the investigation, and said it reserves the right “to take appropriate action under its Code of Conduct” once the legal process has concluded and “all facts have been duly established”.
Ali made his international debut for Pakistan in 2020 and has since played 35 T20Is and two ODIs. He was a senior player on tour for Pakistan A — the nation’s second-tier international cricket team — this summer, playing in all five matches on the tour.
(Photo: Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
Aug 9, 2025Connections: Sports Edition
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