Cleared of rape allegation, Haider Ali obtains NOC from PCB to resume cricket

Haider Ali has breathed a huge sigh of relief, as the Pakistan batter has finally got his provisional suspension from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) revoked. The cricketer was earlier accused of raping in Manchester, following which the PCB acted accordingly to suspend him from playing any form of competitive cricket.

However, the charge has now been cleared, prompting PCB to remove their ban on the cricketer. The 25-year-old has also obtained a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from the board to participate in the upcoming Bangladesh Premier League. This will mark the return to competitive cricket for the Attock-born, who last featured for Pakistan A during their tour of the United Kingdom in August.

What was the rape charge against Haider Ali?

During the tour of the UK with the Pakistan A side, Haider was taken into police custody by the Greater Manchester Police after a Pakistani origin woman born here charged the cricketer of rape, for an incident that occurred on July 23, 2025. Following the charge, the law enforcement authority undertook necessary formalities and carried an investigation.

Later, the thorough investigation concluded in September, confirming that the cricketer was indeed innocent and that the allegation was not just. Otherwise, the young cricketer could have been imposed with the punishment of life imprisonment, according to the local law being in force.

Haider Ali's cricket journey

The middle-order batter has so far represented the Men in Green in 37 international matches, including a couple of appearances in One-Day games. However, he has been away from the Pakistan national side since playing against Afghanistan in the Hangzhou Asian Games in October 2023.

His return to professional cricket with the BPL's upcoming season will see him represent Noakhali Express, a new entrant in the franchise-based T20 tournament. Haider will certainly hope for a strong display of batting performances in the tournament, paving his way for a comeback to the international arena as well.