Haider Ali is a name shared by two cricketers with contrasting journeys. One is a Pakistani power hitter, and other a left-arm spinner who overcame poverty to lead UAE’s bowling attack in 2026 T20 World Cup.
1. Haider Ali (Pakistan)
Haider Ali is born on October 2, 2000, in Attock, Haider Ali was touted as next big thing in Pakistani batting. Often compared to his role model Rohit Sharma for his clean hitting and pull shots, his rise was meteoric.
Career Highlights
-
Debut Record: In 2020, he became first Pakistani to score a half-century on his T20I debut (against England).
-
PSL Success: He made his mark with Peshawar Zalmi, becoming youngest player to score a PSL fifty at age 19.
-
International Stint: Between 2020 and 2022, he was a regular in Pakistan’s white-ball squads and was part of team that finished as runners-up in 2022 T20 World Cup.
-
Recent Activity: As of 2026, he continues to be a force in domestic and franchise cricket, recently being drafted by Noakhali Express for Bangladesh Premier League.
Key Stat: His T20I strike rate remains an impressive 124.69, fueled by his aggressive approach in powerplay.
2. Haider Ali (UAE) – Mango Seller Success Story
Perhaps most inspiring story of the 2026 T20 World Cup is that of 31-year-old left-arm spinner, Haider Ali. Born in Lahore, his path to international cricket was anything but traditional.
Journey of Resilience
-
Early Struggles: To support his family in Lahore, Haider worked as a night-time waiter and sold mangoes on the streets.
-
The Near-Fatal Accident: His career almost ended before it began when an auto-rickshaw he was traveling in plunged 30 feet off a bridge, leaving him with a shattered leg and broken shoulder.
-
The UAE Move: Seeking better opportunities, he moved to UAE in 2022. After fulfilling three-year residency requirement, he debuted for UAE in 2025.
Impact on Global Stage
-
Giant Killer: In his debut series, he dismantled Bangladesh with a spell of 3 for 7, securing UAE’s first-ever series win over a Test-playing nation.
-
World Cup 2026: He entered 2026 T20 World Cup as leader of UAE spin attack. On February 10, 2026, he famously led bowling against his birth nation, Pakistan, in a high-stakes group match in Chennai.
-
Franchise Value: He holds the record for the most economical powerplay bowler in ILT20 history with an economy of just 5.93.
Comparison
| Feature | Haider Ali (PAK) | Haider Ali (UAE) |
| Role | Right-handed Batter | Left-arm Orthodox Spinner |
| Birth Date | October 2, 2000 | July 5, 1994 |
| Major Team | Islamabad United / Pakistan | Dubai Capitals / UAE |
| Defining Moment | 50 on T20I debut vs England | 3/7 vs Bangladesh in 2025 |