Pakistan Cricketer Caught in Rape Scandal During England Tour, PCB Takes Action

Pakistan cricket has been rocked by another major controversy. Haider Ali, a young batter who was on tour in the United Kingdom with Pakistan’s ‘A’ team, the Pakistan Shaheens, was arrested on August 3 by Greater Manchester Police over a rape allegation.

According to Telecom Asia Sports, the complaint was filed by a girl of Pakistani origin. Haider was arrested directly from the Beckenham ground, where the Shaheens were playing a match against MCSAC.

The 24-year-old has since been released on bail, but sources confirmed that his passport has been seized by police. Haider has been provisionally suspended by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) pending the outcome of the investigation.

PCB Responds to Allegation

The PCB confirmed the arrest and stated that it will cooperate with authorities in the UK. The board also said it will provide Haider with legal support if needed but will conduct its own inquiry alongside the ongoing police investigation.

“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 spokesperson told Telecom Asia Sports.

Sources close to the player said that Haider was in tears after being arrested and pleaded not guilty during questioning.

Haider’s Background and Past Issues

Haider is considered a promising talent in Pakistan cricket. He has represented the national team in two ODIs and 35 T20Is, with his last appearance coming at the Asian Games two years ago.

He also featured in the Under-19 World Cup in 2020 in South Africa, the same tournament where India’s Yashasvi Jaiswal made his mark.

However, this isn’t Haider’s first run-in with controversy. In 2021, he was suspended for breaching COVID-19 protocols during the Pakistan Super League in Abu Dhabi. He was later dropped from the Pakistan squad for the England and West Indies tours as a punishment.

Despite the past issues, Haider had found a supporter in Pakistan’s newly appointed white-ball coach Mike Hesson, who was reportedly considering him for the upcoming T20 tri-series in Sharjah later this month.

Pakistan Shaheens Tour and Return

The Pakistan Shaheens tour of the UK ran from July 17 to August 6. They played two three-day matches (both drawn) and a three-match One-Day series, which they won 2-1.

Most players have returned home, except captain Saud Shakeel, who stopped in Dubai for personal reasons, and Haider, who remains in the UK due to legal proceedings.

Past Shadows in Pakistan Cricket

Pakistan cricket has seen its fair share of off-field controversies. Most notably, in 2010, Salman Butt, Mohammad Amir, and Mohammad Asif were jailed and banned for five years for spot-fixing during the team’s tour of England.

Now, Haider’s case has once again put the spotlight on player conduct and the challenges facing Pakistan cricket off the field.