Haider Ali, the batting all-rounder of the Pakistan Shaheens (‘A’ team), faced a serious allegation of rape while playing in England. Initially, reports suggested the allegation was related to sexual harassment, but later it was confirmed that he was questioned over a rape accusation. Haider has now been cleared of the charge, as the Greater Manchester Police found insufficient evidence.
The news was reported by Geo News, with confirmation from both Manchester Police and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) that the allegations against Haider have been withdrawn. He was represented by criminal law specialist Barrister Moeen Khan, who successfully defended him.
The initial complaint was lodged on 4 August by a British-Pakistani woman at a Manchester hotel, which led to Haider being detained for questioning.
| Date | Event |
| 23 July | Haider Ali reportedly met the complainant for the first time at a Manchester hotel. |
| 1 August | They reportedly met again in Ashford after a 4-hour train journey from Manchester. |
| 5 August | Woman lodged the police complaint, roughly two weeks after the first meeting. |
According to police sources, Haider Ali can now leave the UK if he wishes. He has already collected his passport from the police station and is free to return home at any time. During questioning, he denied all allegations and stated that he knew the woman well and had a friendly relationship with her, making the allegation particularly distressing.
Haider was initially detained at the canteen of the Spitfire County Cricket Ground in Kent and then taken to the Canterbury police station. After the serious allegation, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) temporarily suspended him until the investigation was completed. Throughout the process, PCB ensured that Haider’s legal rights were fully protected and provided legal assistance.
Haider Ali, aged 24, has already made his One-Day International (ODI) and T20 International debut for Pakistan. His career statistics include:
| Format | Matches Played |
| ODI | 2 |
| T20I | 35 |
He has also been active in franchise cricket, including the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL):
| Season | Team | Matches Played |
| 2022-23 BPL | Sylhet Strikers | 1 |
| Most Recent BPL | Chattogram Kings | 12 |
Haider Ali remains a sought-after player in franchise leagues, with his reputation intact following the withdrawal of the legal case.
This development clears him of all allegations, allowing him to focus entirely on his cricketing career without the shadow of legal proceedings.
