England cricket hero announces decision to retire as he reveals next move
Moeen Ali has announced he will retire from county cricket this summer and the former England all-rounder has already opted out of playing in the Hundred.
Moeen, 37, called time on his international career last year and will wrap up his domestic duties with a player-coach role at Warwickshire in this season’s Vitality Blast.
The former Worcestershire stalwart will conclude a three-year deal at Edgbaston and he is planning explore global franchise opportunities for the remainder of his playing days before focusing to a long-term shift towards coaching.
Moeen has also informed Birmingham Phoenix, who he has previously served as captain since the launch of the 100-ball competition, that he will not be taking part this year.
Retention lists for each of the eight sides are being finalised, with each playing squad permitted to hold on to eight of the team from 2024.
“This is a big decision for me and not one I’ve taken lightly,” Moeen said. “I’ve reached a decision in the last few days, taking into account what I feel is best for me and my family at this stage in my career.
“I’m still passionate about the game and want to play as much as I can. I still love playing. I still have passion for the game and I love being in a team environment.
“I also enjoy talking to players about cricket, the tactics, and I think that’ll help me move smoothly into coaching after my playing days are over.
“I came back to Warwickshire with an aim of trying to help them win the Blast and I still want to play a role this year. I’ll be available to play throughout the Blast group games, and would love to be involved as a player-coach.”
Moeen is the second big name homegrown player to sit out this year’s Hundred tournament – the last to take place before the influx of private investment money – following Alex Hales’ decision not to return to Trent Rockets.
“The last 17 years playing at Trent Bridge for Notts have been an absolute pleasure, and it remains my favourite place in the world to play cricket,” Hales said last week. “Some of my best memories have come in a Notts shirt, and some of my closest friendships in the game have been made in that home dressing room.”
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