Haider Ali Found Not Guilty in UK Rape Case. Photo: X
Pakistan international cricketer Haider Ali has been cleared of rape charges in the UK after the Police found no conclusive evidence to proceed with the case. Greater Manchester Police and the Crown Prosecution Service have reportedly closed the investigation, and the 24-year-old is allowed to resume travel.
Ali was taken into custody on August 4 after accusations from the British-Pakistani woman who claimed that the Pakistani star raped her at a Manchester hotel. The woman told police that she first met Ali on July 23 in Manchester, where the alleged incident happened. She later met Ali on August 1, and the formal police complaint for rape was filed on August 5.
During the investigation, Ali was firm on his stance that he knew the woman but denied rape charges, saying that he considered the woman his friend.
How Did PCB React To Ali’s Arrest?Meanwhile, following the allegations, the Pakistan cricket board took a big action against Ali and provisionally suspended him pending the investigation. Ali was part of the Pakistan Shaheen’s squad that was on a 15-day tour of England from July 22.“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 said in a statement.
“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.”
Haider Ali played 2 ODIs and 35 T20Is for Pakistan, but was left out of the team in October 2023. With the Pakistan team undergoing a transition in T20I, there are a few slots up for grabs, and Haider Ali will be eyeing a return to the side.