Relief for Haider Ali as UK Police Close Rape Allegation Case Due to Lack of Evidence

Pakistani cricketer Haider Ali has been cleared of all suspected rape allegations in the United Kingdom after Greater Manchester Police (GMP) and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) concluded that there was insufficient evidence to continue the case. The development comes as a huge relief for the 24-year-old batter, who had been under investigation for over a month.

According to reports from Geo News and ESPNCricinfo, the case has officially been closed, which also means Haider is now free to resume international travel. Earlier, he was arrested in August following an allegation from a British-Pakistani woman, who claimed that the incident took place at a Manchester hotel on July 23, 2025.

A statement from GMP had initially confirmed his arrest:
“After receiving a report on Monday, 4 August 2025 of a rape, we have arrested a 24-year-old man. It’s alleged that the incident occurred on Wednesday, 23 July 2025 at a premises in Manchester. The man has since been bailed pending further enquiries. The victim is being supported by officers.”

The arrest was made in Beckenham, where Haider was representing the Pakistan Shaheens during their five-game tour of England. The player had been granted bail on August 8 while the investigation continued. Under UK law, rape charges can carry a maximum penalty of life imprisonment, making the accusation extremely serious.

With the case now closed, Haider Ali can look forward to rebuilding his cricket career. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had provisionally suspended him during the investigation, making it clear that they respected the judicial process in the UK and would refrain from interfering.

The PCB is expected to issue a fresh statement in the coming days, likely lifting Haider’s suspension and paving the way for his return to competitive cricket. Haider, known for his attacking stroke play, has represented Pakistan at both international and domestic levels and was seen as a bright young prospect before the case put his future in doubt.

For now, the cricketer will be relieved that the ordeal has come to an end, and fans will be hopeful of seeing him back on the field soon.