Pakistan Cricket is startled by another important controversy. Haider Ali, a young batter who was on tour in the United Kingdom with the ‘A’ team of Pakistan, the Pakistan Shahawens, was arrested on 3 August by the Greater Manchester Police about a rape.
According to Telecom Asia Sports, the complaint was submitted by a girl of Pakistani descent. Haider was arrested directly from the Beckenham ground, where the Shahahes played a match against MCSAC.
The 24-year-old has since been released on bail, but sources confirmed that his passport was seized by the police. Haider has been suspended for the time being by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) pending the outcome of the investigation.
PCB responds to statement
The PCB confirmed the arrest and stated that it will collaborate with authorities in the UK. The board also said that the Haider will offer legal support if necessary, but will conduct its own investigation in addition to the current police investigation.
“We were told about this case and investigation. We suspended Haider until the investigation has been completed and our own application will carry out in the UK,” a PCB spokesperson told Telecom Asia Sports.
Sources close to the player said that Haider was in tears after he was arrested and did not argue guilty while interrogating.
Haider’s background and problems in the past
Haider is considered a promising talent in Pakistan Cricket. He represented the national team in two odis and 35 T20is, with his last performance at the Asian Games two years ago.
He also played in the World Championship under 19 in 2020 in South Africa, the same tournament where India’s Yashasvi Jaiswal left his mark.
However, this is not the first run-in from Haider with controversy. In 2021 he was suspended for violating COVID-19 protocols during the Pakistan Super League in Abu Dhabi. He was later dropped out of the Pakistan team for the tour of England and West India as a punishment.
Despite the problems in the past, Haider had found a supporter in the newly named white-ball coach Mike Hesson of Pakistan, who is said to be considering him later this month for the upcoming T20 Tri series in Sharjah.
Pakistan Shaheens tour and returns
The Pakistan Shaheens tour through the UK ran from July 17 to August 6. They played two three-day matches (both signed) and a one-day series of three games, which they won 2-1.
Most players have returned, except captain Saud Shakeel, who stopped in Dubai for personal reasons, and Haider, who remains in the UK for legal proceedings.
Beyond shadows in Pakistan cricket
Pakistan Cricket has seen a good part of controversies outside the field. The most striking thing is that Salman Butt, Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Asif were imprisoned for five years in 2010 and were forbidden for spot fixing during the team’s tour of the team.
Now the HAIDER case has again put attention on the behavior of players and the challenges that Pakistan Cricket is confronted with.
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