• Home
  • Cricket News
  • Haider Alis Arrest To Skys Return For Asia Cup August 8 Cricket Highlights

Haider Ali’s Arrest To SKY’s Return For Asia Cup - August 8 Cricket Highlights

Akshita Patel

August 8 Cricket Highlights [Source: @babloobhaiya3, @Saabir_Saabu01/X.com]August 8 Cricket Highlights [Source: @babloobhaiya3, @Saabir_Saabu01/X.com]

On August 8, the cricket fraternity was jolted with some serious newsbreaks surrounding Pakistan cricket and the IPL. From arrests and controversies to inspiring injury returns, selectors’ tough calls, and speculation over big-name moves, the sport has once again delivered headlines that go far beyond the boundary ropes. 

On that note, let’s recap the top 5 cricket highlights of Friday.

Haider Ali Arrested In UK Over Sexual Misconduct

Pakistan batter Haider Ali has been provisionally suspended by the PCB after being arrested in England over alleged involvement in a sexual molestation case. The 23-year-old was taken into custody by Greater Manchester Police on August 3 during the Pakistan Shaheens’ tour. 

Released on bail, Haider faces an uncertain future as the PCB cited the seriousness of the charges while pledging legal support to ensure his rights. The suspension will remain until the investigation concludes. 

ICC Unveils Pitch Rating Of Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy

The ICC has rated pitches from the recent India-England Test series, with Headingley earning the only “very good” mark, while Edgbaston, Lord’s, and Old Trafford were deemed “satisfactory”. The series witnessed nine batsmen breach 400 runs, which proved the batting-friendly nature of the conditions, but each match made it to day five, resulting in nail-biting finishes. 

England chased a big target at Headingley, India dominated at Edgbaston, and Lord’s delivered a dramatic final-day win for England. Manchester saw India’s gritty draw, thanks to Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar. The rating for the fifth Test at The Oval is still pending under the ICC’s pitch assessment system.

Suryakumar Yadav Gears Up For Asia Cup

In a significant boost to India prior to the Asia Cup 2025, Suryakumar Yadav has resumed batting training following hernia surgery in June after IPL 2025. The Indian T20I skipper posted an Instagram update, posting photos of gruelling gym sessions and then careful net batting. Currently at the NCA in Bengaluru for rehabilitation, he skipped the Duleep Trophy for the West Zone to focus on regaining peak fitness. 

Easwaran’s Father Frustrated Over His Son’s Snub

Abhimanyu Easwaran’s long wait for a Test debut may soon end, as India head coach Gautam Gambhir has assured him a fair run when his turn arrives. Easwaran’s father, Ranganathan, revealed that during the Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy, Gambhir personally told the Bengal batter he wouldn’t be dropped after just 1-2 matches. 

Despite stellar domestic performances, Easwaran was overlooked in the recent series, with Karun Nair and Sai Sudharsan preferred at No. 3, neither making a major impact. Since Easwaran’s first India call-up in 2022, 15 players have debuted in Tests. 

Ravichandran Ashwin Likely To Leave CSK

Rumours of Ravichandran Ashwin asking Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to release him ahead of IPL 2026 have gone viral, sparking intense speculation. Some reports even claimed Ashwin might return to Rajasthan, his former team. However, Cricbuzz reported that Ashwin remains part of CSK’s setup and has no immediate plans to leave, despite also stepping down as director of cricket at the CSK Academy.