Haider Ali: From Pakistani shopkeeper to UAE cricket star
When Haider Ali arrived in Dubai in 2022, he had just 10 Pakistani rupees in his pocket. Four years later, he is representing the UAE on the international cricket stage, having turned a childhood dream into a career that once seemed impossible.
The Pakistani-born left-arm spinner’s journey has taken him from working in shops and selling fruit on the streets of Lahore to playing at the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup.
But behind his rise is a story of family responsibility, years of financial struggle and a father who never stopped believing his son could become an international cricketer.
A cricket dream built around family responsibility
Haider began working as a shopkeeper in Pakistan in 2010 to help support his family. Although cricket was his passion, earning a living had to come first.
His circumstances began to change when he was selected by the Punjab Group of Colleges, giving him an opportunity to develop his sporting ability.
He left his shopkeeping job but continued working at night as a waiter in a marriage hall, sending his earnings back to his village.
During his college years, he met coach Akhtar Mumtaz Butt, who became one of the most influential people in his cricketing development.
Then the Covid-19 pandemic brought another setback. With his savings exhausted, Haider began selling fruit on the streets of Lahore to support his family.
Throughout those years, his father remained one of his biggest supporters, hoping to see him compete at international level.
Arriving in Dubai with almost nothing
In 2022, Haider made the difficult decision to leave Pakistan and pursue a new opportunity in the UAE.
He remembers the emotional farewell at the airport, particularly seeing his father and other family members in tears.
With only PKR 10 left in his pocket, he arrived in Dubai determined to build a better future for them.
His original ambition had been to play for Pakistan, where he had spent years developing as a cricketer. Instead, the opportunity to compete internationally came through the Emirates.
Today, Haider considers the UAE much more than the country where he established his sporting career. It has become a second home and the place where he was able to achieve his family’s dream.
He credits the Emirates Cricket Board for providing the facilities, encouragement and professional support that helped him progress.
Representing the UAE at the World Cup
One of Haider’s major career milestones came when he represented the UAE at the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
The tournament included a memorable victory over Canada in Delhi, where the UAE successfully chased a target of 151.
Aryansh Sharma led the batting effort with an unbeaten 74, while Sohaib Khan contributed 51. Their 84-run partnership helped the team reach 151 for five with two balls remaining.
Junaid Siddique took five wickets, while Haider delivered four overs for 29 runs.
The victory gave the UAE its first win of the tournament and became an important moment in Haider’s international career.
For a player who had once struggled to afford basic expenses, walking onto the field in UAE colours at a World Cup represented the fulfilment of years of sacrifice.
His next ambition is the 50-over World Cup
Haider is now looking beyond his achievements in T20 cricket.
His next major ambition is to help the UAE qualify for and compete at the 50-over Cricket World Cup.
He also hopes to play in the Indian Premier League, widely regarded as one of cricket’s most prominent professional competitions.
As a left-arm orthodox spinner, Haider draws inspiration from Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja and former Sri Lankan captain Kumar Sangakkara.
Yet his greatest personal inspiration remains his father, whose belief in his ability helped sustain him through the most difficult periods of his journey.
Haider also acknowledges the support of his first teacher, Fazal Qadoos, coach Akhtar Mumtaz Butt and the University of Central Punjab, which provided important opportunities during his development.
A new home and a bigger purpose
Haider’s focus is now on contributing to the UAE’s continued progress in international cricket.
Ahead of the 2026 ACC Men’s Premier Cup, he highlighted the team’s preparation, including intensive training sessions and practice matches.
He believes the facilities and backing provided by the Emirates Cricket Board have given players the confidence to compete against international opposition.
His personal ambitions are also closely connected to his family’s future. Becoming a professional cricketer has allowed him to provide the financial stability he once struggled to achieve.
From a shop in Pakistan to the cricket grounds of the UAE and the World Cup stage, Haider’s journey is a reminder of how far determination and opportunity can take an athlete.
He arrived in Dubai with just PKR 10. Today, he wears the UAE jersey — and his biggest ambitions are still ahead of him.
