Pakistan cricketer suspended over criminal charges

Greater Manchester Police have launched a criminal investigation into Pakistani cricketer Haider Ali.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to impose a temporary ban on him from cricket pending the outcome of the investigation.

No details of the crime have been released to the media so far.

However, ESPNcricinfo has reported that Haider is not currently in police custody in the UK. The Pakistan Cricket Board has also confirmed in a statement that the investigation is being conducted in connection with an incident that occurred during the Pakistan Shaheens’ tour of England that ended last Monday.

The PCB has stated that Haider will be provided with legal assistance to protect his rights throughout this process.

“The PCB respects the legal process in the UK and recognises the importance of allowing the investigation to proceed properly. Accordingly, the PCB has decided to impose a provisional ban on Haider Ali from cricket with immediate effect, pending the outcome of the investigation. Once the legal process is complete and all the facts are established, the PCB reserves the right to take appropriate action under its Code of Conduct, if necessary,” the PCB said in a statement. Haider, 24, has played 2 ODIs and 35 T20Is for Pakistan.