Cricket News

‘It was meant to be’- Moeen Ali is thrilled to be captaining the England side in Pakistan

The England team have landed on Pakistan’s shores and one of the English players who is most excited about cricket being back in Pakistan is the standby skipper, Moeen Ali. The all-rounder was born and raised in Pakistan and said that he is thrilled to be back to play cricket in the country of his birth after a long wait of 17 years.

“It was meant to be,” Moeen told BBC Sport before the first T20 in Karachi on Tuesday. “It feels amazing that after such a long time the timing is right for me to lead England there. I’ve played in Pakistan before but representing England for the first time there, that’s special and amazing. I’m really excited and hopefully, we can play some good cricket and entertain the crowd.”

Cricket came back on Pakistan’s soil when Australia toured Pakistan last year in 2021 -2022 to play three Tests, three One-Day Internationals and a lone T20 International, which signaled the return of a high-profile side to Pakistan. Cricket had been absent in the country ever since the 2009 terror attacks struck the Sri Lankan team.

Pakistan have always been a really talented team: Moeen Ali

Moeen Ali talked about what the series will do for Pakistan Cricket, and was all praise for Saqlain Mushtaq as well, who has worked with him in the England setup.

“It’s really important because Pakistan have always been a really talented team but they need to play in front of their own crowds and their own kids so they can inspire the next generation coming through,” he said.

“The one player I always loved and still love is Saqlain Mushtaq, I loved his batting,” said Moeen. “I call him my ustaad (teacher),” said Moeen. “He’s one of the greatest coaches I have ever worked with, definitely the best spin coach,” said Ali.