Pakistan cricketer Haider Ali has been cleared of rape charges in the UK, bringing him major relief after weeks of uncertainty. The Greater Manchester Police, citing a lack of conclusive evidence, confirmed that they would not proceed with the investigation. The Crown Prosecution Service has also closed the case, according to reports from Pakistan’s Geo News.
The 24-year-old was arrested last month after a British-Pakistani woman alleged that he raped her at a Manchester hotel on 23rd of July .He was later granted bail on 8th of August pending further enquiries. With the case now officially closed, Haider Ali will also be allowed to resume international travel.
At the time of the arrest, Haider was in the UK with the Pakistan Shaheens, having played their final tour match in Beckenham. Given that the alleged offence carried a maximum life sentence in the UK, the case was taken seriously by both local authorities and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
In its earlier statement, the PCB had placed Haider under provisional suspension pending the outcome of the investigation, reserving the right to take disciplinary action depending on the findings. With the case dismissed, his suspension is now expected to be lifted, though an official PCB statement is awaited.
This outcome not only clears Haider Ali’s name but also allows him to restart his cricketing career without the cloud of legal proceedings hanging over him.
