PCB Suspends Haider Ali Amid Criminal Investigation in UK

Pakistani batter Haider Ali’s career has taken another downturn after he was provisionally suspended by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) after becoming the subject of a criminal investigation by Greater Manchester Police (GMP) in England.

The nature of the alleged offence has not been made public, but PCB sources confirmed the 24-year-old was interviewed under caution during the Pakistan Shaheens’ recent tour of the UK. Haider Ali is not in police custody and has since returned home.

The PCB said it was informed of the matter by UK authorities and has moved swiftly to remove the player from all cricketing activities while the investigation continues.

“The PCB fully respects the legal procedures of the United Kingdom and will allow the investigation to run its course,” the board said in a statement. “Haider Ali has been placed under provisional suspension, effective immediately, pending the outcome of the inquiry. We are providing him with legal support to ensure his rights are protected throughout this process.”

The incident in question is understood to have occurred during the Shaheens’ tour, which ended earlier this week. Haider Ali was one of the senior players on the trip, featuring in all three 50-over matches against a First-Class Counties XI and two three-day games.

This development marks the latest low for the once-promising batter. A product of Pakistan’s 2020 U19 World Cup squad, Haider Ali has already played two ODIs and 35 T20Is for the senior side. However, his career trajectory has fluctuated, with recent appearances largely limited to domestic and Pakistan A-level cricket.

The PCB has stated it will decide on any disciplinary action under its Code of Conduct only after the UK legal process concludes and the facts are established. Depending on the outcome, Haider Ali might go down as another what-if in Pakistan cricket.