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Pakistan batter Haider Ali, who was on a tour of the United Kingdom with the country's 'A' team, Pakistan Shaheen, has been reportedly arrested by Greater Manchester Police in connection with an alleged case of sexual molestation. Following that development, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has placed the player under immediate suspension. He was later released on bail.
On August 3, Haider (24), who has played two ODIs and 35 T20Is for Pakistan, was reportedly arrested by the Greater Manchester police at Hove. At that time, the right-hand batter was representing Pakistan Shaheens in a one-day match at Beckenheim on August 3.
The PCB said it has been made aware of a criminal investigation currently being conducted by the Greater Manchester Police.
"The investigation pertains to an incident that reportedly occurred during the Pakistan Shaheens' recent tour of England," the PCB said in a statement.
"In line with its duty of care and responsibility to ensure the welfare and legal rights of all its players, the PCB has ensured that Haider Ali has received appropriate legal support to protect his rights throughout this process.
"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," the PCB said.
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Pakistan Shaheens were on a tour of the UK from July 17 to August 6 and played two three-day games, which were both drawn, a three-match One-day series that they won 2-1.
Most of the players, except captain Saud Shakeel and Haider, returned from the UK on Wednesday. Shakeel stayed back in Dubai for personal reasons.
Haider was also featured in the Under-19 World Cup for Pakistan in 2020 in South Africa, from where India's Yashasvi Jaiswal also emerged.
This is the second time that PCB has suspended Haider Ali. He was earlier suspended by the PCB for breaching Covid restrictions during the 2021 Pakistan Super League in Abu Dhabi, and as a punishment withdrawn from the team to England and the West Indies in 2021.
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