New Delhi: Haider Ali has been provisionally suspended by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) after the batter was placed under criminal investigation by the Greater Manchester Police in England. The PCB has confirmed the suspension in an official statement.
According to an ESPNcricinfo report, details about the nature of the criminal offence have not been released. However, the cricketer is not currently in custody in the UK but was interviewed under caution by GMP. Some other media reports suggested that he was arrested in connection with an alleged case of sexual molestation.
The incident under investigation happened during the Pakistan Shaheens‘ tour of England, which ended on Monday, August 4. Haider was one of the most senior players in the team and played all three 50-over matches and both three-day games.
‘PCB has been made aware of a criminal investigation’
The PCB stated that the board has been made aware of a criminal investigation currently being conducted by the Greater Manchester Police involving cricketer Haider Ali, and the investigation pertains to an incident that reportedly occurred during the Pakistan Shaheens‘ recent tour of England.
“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 statement added.
The PCB also confirmed that Haider is receiving legal assistance from the board to protect his rights throughout this process and, once the legal proceedings are concluded and all facts have been duly established, the board also reserves the right to take appropriate action under its Code of Conduct.
Haider made his international debut for Pakistan in 2020 and has played two ODIs and 35 T20Is. Despite a great start to his career, the cricketer struggled with form and consistency in recent years.