LAHORE (Kashmir English): The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has replaced Batter Haider Ali by Mohammad Faiq for the upcoming Top End 11-team T20 Series to be held in Darwin, Australia after the former being provisionally suspended on disciplinary grounds.
Pakistan Shaheens led by Muhammad Irfan Khan traveled to Darwin, Australia on Saturday to participate in the Top End T20 Series.
The 11-team tournament will be held from August 14 to 24 in Darwin, with Pakistan Shaheens facing Bangladesh ‘A’ in the opening match.
Haider Ali has been provisionally suspended due to criminal investigation in the UK. Ali is being investigated by Greater Manchester Police after he was arrested following an incident during the Pakistan A team’s tour of England.
About the criminal investigation into Ali, the Greater Manchester Police said: “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.”
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) issued a press release addressing the matter.
“The PCB has been made aware of a criminal investigation currently being conducted by the Greater Manchester Police involving cricketer Haider Ali. The investigation pertains to an incident that reportedly occurred during the Pakistan Shaheens’ recent tour of England,” read a press statement.
“In line with its duty of care and responsibility to ensure the welfare and legal rights of all its players, the PCB has ensured that Haider Ali has received appropriate legal support to protect his rights throughout this process. 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.”
“Accordingly, the PCB has decided to place Haider Ali under provisional suspension, effective immediately, pending the outcome of the ongoing investigation. 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.”
Until such time as the legal process reaches its conclusion, the PCB will not offer further comment on the matter, the PCB said.
Two changes have been made in the 15-member squad. Batter Haider Ali has been replaced by Mohammad Faiq after being suspended temporarily by the PCB on disciplinary grounds, while fast bowler Mohammad Wasim Jnr has been added to the squad in place of left-arm fast bowler Salman Mirza.
Ali has represented Pakistan in 35 T20Is since making his debut in 2020 as well as two one-day Internationals.
Pakistan 15-member T20 squad
Muhammad Irfan Khan (captain), Abdul Samad, Ahmed Daniyal, Faisal Akram, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay (wicket-keeper), Maaz Sadaqat, Mehran Mumtaz, Mohammad Faiq, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wicket-keeper), Mubasir Khan, Saad Masood, Shahid Aziz, Ubaid Shah and Yasir Khan
Pakistan Shaheens fixtures
14 Aug – vs Bangladesh ‘A’, TIO Stadium (7pm local time)
16 Aug – vs Scorchers, TIO Stadium (4pm local time)
18 Aug – vs Renegades, TIO Stadium (6pm local time)
19 Aug – vs Kingsmen, DXC Arena (1pm local time)
20 Aug – vs Strikers, DXC Arena (7pm local time)
22 Aug – vs Nepal, DXC Arena (7pm local time)
24 Aug – Semi-finals and final
