Pakistan Cricketer Haider Ali Granted Bail in UK Rape Case

Download IPFS

LONDON — Pakistani international cricketer Haider Ali has been granted bail after his arrest in the United Kingdom over an allegation of rape. Greater Manchester Police confirmed the 24-year-old is under investigation following a complaint lodged by a British Pakistani woman.

According to police, the alleged incident took place on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at a premises in Manchester. Authorities received the report on Monday, August 4, and arrested Ali shortly afterward. The police statement noted: “The man has since been bailed pending further enquiries. The victim is being supported by officers.”

Ali, who has represented Pakistan in 35 Twenty20 internationals and two one-day internationals since his debut in 2020, has denied the allegation. During questioning, he reportedly told investigators that he knew the woman well and described their relationship as one of friendship. Sources close to his family indicated that their meeting occurred at a local hotel in Manchester.

His arrest took place at the Spitfire County Cricket Ground in Kent, where he was located inside the Players’ Canteen Office. Kent Police officers escorted him to Canterbury Police Station. Witnesses said he was not placed in handcuffs during the process.

In response to the situation, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced that Ali has been provisionally suspended for the duration of the investigation. A PCB statement read: “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. Once the legal proceedings are concluded and all facts have been duly established, the PCB reserves the right to take appropriate action under its Code of Conduct, if necessary.”

The suspension prevents Ali from participating in any form of cricket under PCB jurisdiction until further notice. The board stressed its commitment to upholding its code of conduct and ensuring fair legal proceedings.

The Greater Manchester Police investigation remains ongoing, and no charges have been filed at this stage. Authorities have not disclosed further details, citing the need to protect the integrity of the case and the privacy of those involved.

Ali’s legal team has yet to release a public statement. If the investigation proceeds to trial, it is expected to draw significant attention both in Pakistan and in the UK due to his high profile in international cricket.