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From Fruit Seller to Cricketer: A 30-Foot Fall Triumph
10 Feb
Summary
- Haider Ali survived a 30-foot fall after an auto-rickshaw accident.
- He worked as a waiter and fruit seller to fund his cricket dreams.
- Ali now leads the UAE's spin attack in the T20 World Cup 2026.
Haider Ali, a Pakistani fruit seller, has risen to become a key player for the UAE's national cricket team, embodying resilience and hope.
His journey began in a remote Pakistani village with limited opportunities. After passing his exams, he moved to Lahore, working as a waiter by night to fund his cricket training by day.
When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted his livelihood, Ali turned to selling fruit for four years. A severe accident involving an overloaded auto-rickshaw plunging 30 feet resulted in multiple fractures, with doctors deeming his career over.
Despite the devastating injuries and having only 10 Pakistani Rupees, Ali moved to the UAE. He dedicated himself to rigorous training, waking at 3:30 AM for swims and practicing extensively.
His efforts paid off in 2025 with a match-winning spell against Bangladesh, securing the UAE's first series win against a Test nation. Today, he stands as the UAE's primary weapon in the T20 World Cup 2026 fixture against Pakistan, a testament to his unwavering determination.
