Pakistan cricketer Haider Ali has been provisionally suspended by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), following confirmation that the 24-year-old batter is the subject of an ongoing criminal investigation in the United Kingdom.
The PCB announced the decision late Tuesday, citing an incident that allegedly took place during the Pakistan Shaheens’ recent tour of England. The suspension takes immediate effect, sidelining Haider from all cricket-related activities pending further developments.
“We are aware of the situation involving Haider Ali and can confirm he is under provisional suspension,” the PCB said in a brief statement. “Legal counsel has been made available to him, and the board is respecting the legal process in the UK. Until the matter is resolved, no further comments will be issued.”
Incident Under Investigation in Manchester
According to multiple sources close to the matter, including Greater Manchester Police, an incident was reported in mid-July involving a member of the Pakistan Shaheens squad. Haider Ali’s name surfaced during initial inquiries, prompting authorities to launch a formal investigation. However, no charges have been filed at this stage, and details remain tightly under wraps due to legal sensitivities.
The exact nature of the incident has not been disclosed publicly. Still, insiders say it was deemed serious enough for the PCB to intervene swiftly after being notified by UK authorities.
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police confirmed to local media that “a Pakistani national in his twenties is assisting with inquiries.” While the name was not officially confirmed, multiple Pakistani outlets have since identified the player as Haider.
A Promising Career Paused
Haider Ali, once hailed as one of Pakistan’s brightest young batting prospects, made his T20I debut in 2020 with a half-century against England and quickly earned comparisons to Babar Azam for his elegant strokeplay. Since then, he’s represented Pakistan in 35 T20Is and two ODIs, though his form has been inconsistent.
More recently, he had been working on rebuilding his career through domestic and Shaheens-level tours, hoping to make a full return to the national side.
This suspension could significantly impact that trajectory. PCB sources have hinted that, depending on the findings of the investigation, further disciplinary action may follow under the board’s Code of Conduct, which governs both on-field and off-field behavior.
Next Steps
While the UK investigation is still in its early stages, it may take weeks—or even months—before a clear outcome emerges. Legal experts suggest that if no formal charges are filed, Haider’s suspension could eventually be lifted, though reputational damage may already be done.
For now, the PCB appears to be taking a cautious, wait-and-see approach.
“He deserves due process,” a PCB official told Geo News on condition of anonymity. “But we also have a responsibility to uphold the integrity of the sport.”
Whether Haider Ali returns to the pitch anytime soon remains uncertain. What’s clear, though, is that this investigation has cast a long shadow over a young cricketer once destined for stardom.
