Pakistan suspends cricketer Haider Ali amid criminal investigation in England

FILE - Islamabad United's Haider Ali bats during a cricket match between Islamabad United and Peshawar Zalmi, in Karachi, Pakistan, March 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Fareed Khan, file)

Pakistan cricketer Haider Ali was suspended Thursday when the country's cricket board said the 24-year-old batter is involved in a criminal investigation in England.

The Pakistan Cricket Board did not specify the nature of the probe, saying that it “has been made aware of a criminal investigation currently being conducted by the Greater Manchester Police involving cricketer Haider Ali.”

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The investigation “pertains to an incident that reportedly occurred during the Pakistan Shaheens’ recent tour of England,” the PCB said. The Shaheens team represents Pakistan in second-tier international cricket.

Greater Manchester Police did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

“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,” it said.

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

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Ali has played two one-day internationals and 35 T20s for Pakistan since making his international debut in 2020.

The PCB said Ali was provided appropriate legal support.

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

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