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NEW DELHI: Pakistan cricket plunged into fresh controversy after young batter Haider Ali was arrested in England over an alleged rape during the Pakistan Shaheens’ ongoing tour of the United Kingdom. The 24-year-old, part of the ‘A’ team squad, was provisionally suspended by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) pending investigation.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Greater Manchester Police (GMP) confirmed receiving a report of rape on Monday. “We have arrested a 24-year-old man,” GMP statement said. “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.”
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Police in England typically do not name suspects at this stage of an investigation.According to Telecom Asia Sports, Haider was arrested from the Beckenham ground, where the Shaheens were playing against MCSAC. “It’s apparently a rape case against a girl of Pakistani origin,” a source said, adding that police seized Haider’s passport before releasing him on bail.
“We were told about this case and investigation. We have suspended Haider until the investigation is completed and will conduct our own inquiry in the UK,” a PCB spokesman said, stressing that the board will cooperate fully with the legal process and provide Haider with legal support.The Shaheens’ UK tour, which ran from July 17 to August 6, featured two drawn three-day matches and a one-day series win (2-1). Most players have returned home except captain Saud Shakeel and Haider.Haider, who debuted internationally in 2020, has played two ODIs and 35 T20Is for Pakistan. His career has faced prior setbacks, including a suspension for breaching Covid-19 protocols during the 2021 PSL.
