Pakistan Cricket has found itself in a fresh controversy as Pakistani batter Haider Ali has been arrested in the United Kingdom.
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The Greater Manchester Police have placed the batter under criminal investigation, which has prompted the PCB to provisionally suspend him from representing Pakistan.
Haider Ali suspended by Pakistan Cricket Board
As per Times of India report, the 24-year-old Haider has been booked under charges of alleged rape during Pakistan Shaheen's ongoing tour to the United Kingdom. Greater Manchester Police (GMP) confirmed that they received a report for an alleged rape and investigations are underway.
According to a ESPNcricinfo report, the PCB have been informed of the incident and they are providing the accused with all the necessary legal support to protect his rights during the investigation. The board recently issued a statement following the incident.
"The PCB has been made aware of a criminal investigation currently being conducted by the Greater Manchester Police involving cricketer Haider Ali," the PCB statement said. "The investigation pertains to an incident that reportedly occurred during the Pakistan Shaheens' recent tour of England.
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The Pakistan Shaheens' UK tour kicked off on July 17 and went on till August 6. The tour involved two three-day games and 3 ODIs. The Pakistani side drew the multi-day games, while won the ODI series.
"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," said a PCB statement.
Haider made his debut for Pakistan back in 2020. He has featured in 2 ODIs and 35 T20Is for his national side, and was on a tour to the UK as a senior player with Pakistan's A side.