Cricketer Haider Ali cleared of rape charges

LAHORE: Pakistan batter Haider Ali has been cleared of rape allegations in the UK after Greater Manchester Police found no conclusive evidence to proceed with the case.

Both the police and the Crown Prosecution Service have formally closed the investigation, bringing relief to the 24-year-old cricketer.

Haider was arrested last month following a complaint by a British-Pakistani woman, who accused him of raping her at a Manchester hotel.

With the case now closed, he has retrieved his passport from the police and is free to travel out of the UK.

During interrogation, Haider denied the allegations, telling investigators that he knew the woman personally and considered her a friend. He said the accusations had left him shocked.

Earlier, Haider had been granted bail on August 8 while enquiries continued. In a statement released at the time, Greater Manchester Police confirmed: “After receiving a report on Monday 4 August 2025 of a rape, we arrested a 24-year-old man.

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It is alleged the incident occurred on Wednesday 23 July 2025 at a premises in Manchester. The man has since been bailed pending further enquiries. The victim is being supported by officers.”

According to ESPNcricinfo, Haider was arrested in Beckenham, where Pakistan Shaheens were playing the final game of their five-match tour. The alleged incident took place on July 23 in Manchester, between the first two matches of the series. In the UK, rape carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had earlier confirmed that Haider was under investigation in the UK. He was provisionally suspended pending the outcome of legal proceedings. The PCB said it respected the British judicial process and would wait for the matter to conclude before making further decisions.

“Accordingly, the PCB has decided to place Haider Ali under provisional suspension, effective immediately, pending the outcome of the ongoing investigation.

Once legal proceedings are concluded and all facts are established, the PCB reserves the right to take appropriate action under its Code of Conduct, if necessary,” the statement added.