Latest news with #HaiderAli
Time of India
3 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Haider Ali – The fruit seller who refused to let go of his cricket dream
Born in Pakistan, Haider Ali now represents UAE. (Image: Special Arrangement) Born in a small village in Pakistan where cricketing facilities were nonexistent and education was prioritised over sport, Haider Ali 's path to the UAE national team was anything but conventional. He never played age-group cricket, worked as a night-time waiter, sold fruits during the pandemic and even survived a near-fatal accident that almost ended his career. Yet, he never gave up. Today, at 30, the left-arm spinner stands tall as one of UAE cricket's most promising cricketers, having played a pivotal role in their historic T20I series win over Bangladesh and shining in franchise cricket with Dubai Capitals in ILT20. From village dust to Lahore dreams Haider Ali's journey to international cricket is the stuff of Bollywood dramas — minus the glamour. Born in a remote village (Kamalia Azmat Shah) in Pakistan, Haider was never meant to be a cricketer. There were no playgrounds, no nets and most importantly, no permission. His uncle, who raised him, made it clear: no cricket until you pass your Matric (Class 10) exams. That meant missing all formative cricket — school, under-14, under-16. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! "I came from a very small village which had no facilities. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 4BHK+Family Lounge+Utility room at 4.49Cr (All Incl)* ATS Triumph, Gurgaon Book Now Undo My uncle, who took care of me and my education, did not allow me to play," Haider told "He used to say that first you have to clear the matric exam… after that I won't stop you." Once he graduated, he left for Lahore — five hours away — on a one-way ticket to chase his dream. He found a cricketing home at Ludhiana Gymkhana Club, under the guidance of Akhtar Mumtaz. Days were for cricket. Nights were for survival. "I used to work as a waiter in the night time and during the day I played cricket and exercised in the gym. My family didn't know anything… they only knew that their son was playing cricket in Lahore," he said. EPIC IS BACK! ILT20 set for explosive return on December 2, 2025 Then came COVID. Marriage halls shut, jobs vanished and Haider became a fruit seller. Yet, cricket remained. "I worked (for) almost four years as a fruit seller, but I did not leave my cricket. I kept practicing my skills, because cricket is my passion and my father's dream." But tragedy struck again — a life-threatening accident. He fell 30 feet from a bridge when an overloaded auto-rickshaw toppled while transporting fruits. "The auto fell down… I broke my shoulder, leg, nasal bone and others. But I am very lucky, God has given me a second life," he said. Most people told him it was over. "A lot of big cricketers, including Test players, told me that 'your career is over.' But I didn't believe them. I had worked too hard and believed that God would give me my result." A new life in the UAE Haider Ali. (Image: Special Arrangement) Haider's belief pushed him to take the most painful step yet — leaving home and Pakistan. With just 10 Pakistani rupees in his pocket (barely 1 Dirham), he flew to the UAE, tears in his eyes, for a better future. "It's a very emotional topic for me," he said, his voice cracking. "When I was leaving, my mom was crying… my dad too. I told my mom that I will return only after making you all proud." He found initial support in the Seven Districts cricket team, especially from its owner Muhammad Haider and his father Amir Ali. "We are not in touch now, but they gave me everything in the first two and a half years here," he acknowledged. ILT20 Season 4 Dates Announced Today, Haider represents Karwan Cricket Club — one of UAE's premier sides — and credits Babar Iqbal for his continued growth. Even in Dubai, the grind hasn't stopped. His routine reflects his obsession. "My day starts at 3:30 am. I go swimming, then practice. I sleep a bit, then wake up around 2-3 pm and train again — bowling and fielding drills in 45 degrees Celsius. Then I go to the gym. I don't care what others are doing. I work when no one is watching except for God." Making history and dreams come true Haider Ali. (Image: Special Arrangement) On May 21, 2025, Haider Ali etched his name in UAE cricket folklore. Playing a pivotal role, the 30-year-old left-arm spinner took 3 for 7 in four overs, helping UAE clinch their first T20I series win over a Test-playing nation — Bangladesh — in Sharjah. It wasn't just a series win. It was validation. From being a waiter and fruit-seller in Lahore to taking key wickets against a full-member nation, Haider has proven everyone wrong — except himself. "I always believed that God would give me my time. As the Almighty always says: you do the hard work, and leave the result to me." Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
EXCLUSIVE: 'These successes are for my father' — UAE's Haider Ali credits ILT20, coach Lalchand Rajput and family for his meteoric rise
Haider Ali NEW DELHI: Haider Ali has played just three T20 Internationals, but the 30-year-old left-arm spinner from Lahore has become the heartbeat of UAE cricket after helping his adopted nation script a historic series win over Bangladesh on May 21 in Sharjah — UAE's first ever T20I series victory against a Test-playing nation. In an exclusive interview with a visibly emotional Haider reflected on what the milestone meant to him and dedicated his performances to the people who helped shape his journey — his family, his late father and his cricketing mentors. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! "I was crying when we won the series. These successes are for my family, for my village and especially for my late father who passed away last year. I haven't met him since I came to Dubai four years ago," Haider said. "We have struggled together. So, these successes are for all those well-wishers." Haider, who returned sensational figures of 3 for 7 in the series decider, turned the match on its head in two Powerplay overs (2-1-2-3) that wrecked the Bangladesh top order. Earlier, in the second T20I, he held his nerve with the bat, scoring an unbeaten 15 off six balls and hitting the winning run in a dramatic 206-run chase. 'They outplayed us tonight': Ryan Rickelton admits as MI face Eliminator test "This is a proud moment, not just for me, but for everyone involved — the support staff, team management and Emirates Cricket Board. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 2025 Top Trending local enterprise accounting software [Click Here] Esseps Learn More Undo It feels great to perform for your team against a Test nation. Such performances stay in the memory forever," he beamed. While Haider is just starting his international journey, he believes the foundation for UAE's recent rise was laid in the ILT20 league and under the watchful eye of head coach Lalchand Rajput . Haider Ali ILT20 league "ILT20 gave me everything," Haider admitted. "I was the best bowler in ILT20's development tournament, then became the 'Emerging Player' in the first season. I bowled well last season too, and from there, got selected for the national team. It's a massive platform — not only for local players but internationals too. Look at Jake Fraser-McGruk from Australia — he came, performed, and got a national call-up. In the next 2-3 years, ILT20 has the calibre to match PSL or other top leagues. " Dubai Capitals Haider's admiration for coach Lalchand Rajput is equally deep-rooted. "He's played at the highest level for India, and his coaching experience is vast. Since he joined, the environment has been so positive. He never makes us feel like he's the coach — it's like a family. He backs fighters — players who don't give up. I'm learning a lot from him and hope to absorb more in the future." Haider Ali Haider's work ethic has also played a big role in his rapid ascent. Aware of the dew factor in UAE's night matches, he adapted in unique ways. "I fill a bucket with water, soak 30-40 balls in it and bowl with them during practice. So when the actual match happens, I feel no difference. I bowl 20-30 overs a day — because to beat a Test-playing nation, you have to go the extra mile." He added, "My goal is clear — I've reached this level now and I never want to drop below. I want to leave UAE cricket better than I found it. I plan and train keeping that vision in mind." Haider Ali His passion for batting also surfaced during the second T20I when UAE needed 29 off the final two overs. "I love batting. All bowlers do!" he laughed. "I told myself, 'Haider, today is the day you show the world what you can do,' and thankfully, I delivered." Quiz: Who's that IPL player? Haider also heaped praise on the Emirates Cricket Board. "The board is working tirelessly for the players — they're giving us support, facilities and direction. My aim now is to help UAE qualify for the next T20 World Cup and take this team to even greater heights." With tears of joy still fresh from UAE's series win and ILT20 triumph with Dubai Capitals, Haider's story is not just one of sporting success but of deep personal meaning. "I think the people in my village were happier than I was," he smiled. "They've supported me so much, and this is for them. For my well-wishers, my family, and most of all — for my father. This is just the beginning." Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.
Express Tribune
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
HBL PSL X: Lahore Qalandars opt to bat against Islamabad United in second Eliminator
Listen to article Lahore Qalandars won the toss and elected to bat against defending champions Islamabad United in the second Eliminator of the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) on Friday in Lahore. Both teams are eyeing their fourth final of the tournament, with the winner set to face Quetta Gladiators in the trophy match on Sunday. The Qalandars have made one change to their playing XI, bringing in Rishad Hossain in place of Zaman Khan. On the other hand, Islamabad United made three changes as Haider Ali, Tymal Mills, and Muhammad Shahzad come in place of Ghazi Ghori, Alex Hales, and Ben Dwarshuis. Islamabad United: Shadab Khan (Captain), Sahibzada Farhan, Rassie van der Dussen, Haider Ali, Agha Salman, James Neesham, Imad Wasim, Tymal Mills, Naseem Shah, Muhammad Shahzad, Salman Irshad. Lahore Qalandars: Shaheen Afridi (Captain), Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Naeem, Abdullah Shafique, +Kusal Perera, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Asif Ali, Shakib Al Hasan, Haris Rauf, Rishad Hossain, Salman Mirza.
Khaleej Times
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Khaleej Times
Nahayan hails ‘another glorious chapter' as UAE stun Bangladesh to make history
Sheikh Nahyan bin Mabarak Al Nahayan, Chairman of the Emirates Cricket Board, led the plaudits after the UAE Men's cricket team stunned Bangladesh in a memorable 2-1 series victory, calling it 'another glorious chapter in our cricketing history.' The series, played at Sharjah Cricket Stadium, saw UAE bounce back after losing the opening match to defeat their more experienced opponents in the final two games. The decider on Wednesday night was won convincingly, as Haider Ali's spectacular 3 for 7 derailed the Bangladesh innings before Alishan Sharafu (68 not out) and Asif Khan (41 not out) sealed the chase with a composed, unbeaten 87-run stand. 'The Emirates Cricket Board is delighted with the outstanding performance of the UAE Men's team in the three-match T20I series against Bangladesh,' Sheikh Nahayan said. 'The team played brilliantly in the whole series while the support staff put in the hard yards to make the victory possible. 'I want to congratulate the entire squad and wish them the very best in their upcoming international assignments. The ECB will continue to provide the best possible facilities and exposure to our immensely talented players. UAE continues to impress in the T20I format and the Bangladesh series win is another glorious chapter in our cricketing history. 'In the recent past, the team has defeated formidable Test playing opponents like Afghanistan and New Zealand. The series win will give immense confidence and self-belief to our players and make them take on bigger and more established opponents.' The win underscores UAE's rapid rise in international cricket, especially in the T20 format, where they are increasingly competing with — and beating — Full Member nations. With this victory, the team has reaffirmed their credentials and sent a strong message to future opponents.
ARN News Center
22-05-2025
- Sport
- ARN News Center
UAE clinch historic T20I series win over Bangladesh in Sharjah
The UAE defeated Bangladesh by seven wickets in the third T20I on Wednesday to seal a 2–1 series win — their first-ever against a Test-playing nation. Chasing 163, Alishan Sharafu anchored the innings with an unbeaten 68 off 47 balls, while Asif Khan added a quickfire 41 as the hosts reached the target in 19.1 overs. Earlier, left-arm spinner Haider Ali produced a match-turning spell, taking 3 for 7 in four overs to help restrict Bangladesh to 162 for 9. He dismissed key batter Litton Das early, triggering a collapse. Sharafu was named Player of the Match, while skipper Muhammad Waseem, who scored 145 runs across the series, earned Player of the Series honours. 'We've made history. This win means a lot to us,' Waseem said after the match. One MAGICAL bowling spell!! 🔥🔥🔥 Haider Ali produced a stunning spell of 4-1-7-3 which broke the back of Bangladesh's batting line-up in the T20I series decider at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium — UAE Cricket Official (@EmiratesCricket) May 21, 2025
