The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed that Haider Ali has been replaced in the Pakistan Shaheens squad for the upcoming Top End T20 Series in Australia, scheduled from August 14 to 24.
Mohammad Faiq will take his place in the squad. Haider Ali has been temporarily suspended after Greater Manchester Police began investigating an incident during the Shaheens’ recent tour of England.
Haider is still in the UK and has surrendered his passport to the authorities while the investigation continues. This is a setback for Pakistan, as Haider was expected to be an important player for the team. The PCB made the change to maintain discipline and avoid distractions before the tournament.In another change, Mohammad Wasim Jr. has replaced left-arm pacer Salman Mirza, who was also dropped from Pakistan’s senior T20I squad for the West Indies series.
Led by Muhammad Irfan Khan, the Shaheens will start their campaign against Bangladesh ‘A’ on August 14 in Darwin, facing both international and club teams before the final on August 24.Earlier, Haider Ali was released on bail after spending three days in custody. Reports say he cannot leave the UK until the case is closed. The issue began when a British girl of Pakistani origin filed a complaint against him. Police have summoned Haider for more questioning in two weeks.
The PCB is assisting Haider through the Pakistan High Commission in London and has arranged legal help from Barrister Moeen Ali. The investigation is still ongoing.
