An Altruist, An All-rounder: Moeen Ali

The English cricket has achieved greater heights in past few years. Before 2019, they didn’t win a single edition of World Cup. But after the nail biting final against New Zealand, the team managed to win their first title. Later, in 2022, they won a T20 World Cup as well. Presently, they are known for their aggressive playing style ‘The Bazball cricket’ in red ball cricket as well. The team now looks the strongest and the reason for that has been the efforts of all the senior players in the team.

Today, in this article by zap cricket, we talk about one of these players, who was in squad that lifted the 2019 Cricket World Cup and 2022 T20 Cricket World Cup- Moeen Ali. He was a left handed batter and a right arm off break bowler.

Moeen Ali’s early life and domestic cricket 

Born on 18 June, 1987 (present age 37), Ali started playing cricket with his brothers from a young age. His brother and cousin, Kadeer Ali and Kabir Ali, played first class cricket and international cricket respectively. He was raised in a very cricket- friendly atmosphere and that nutured him to become the player he is today.

He played domestic cricket for Warwickshire first and for Worcestershire later. Interestingly, he was signed by Warwickshire when he was only 15. 

In 2004, he was picked in the Under 19 team and in 2005, he made his first class debut as well. With his consistency in the junior cricket, he was picked for 2006 Under 19 Cricket World Cup, and was promoted as captain as well. He scored three 50’s and took seven wickets in the tournament, and made a name for himself right from that stage. In the same year, he played his first List A game as well. His highest first class score is 250 and he has been a prolific player there as well. 

Moeen Ali’s International career 

Ali made his debut in all the formats in 2014 only. He played his first ODI on 28 February, 2014 vs West Indies, first T20I on 11 March, 2014 vs West Indies and first Test on 12 June, 2014 vs Sri Lanka. 

One of the defining characteristics of his playing style is his aggressive batting combined with his skill full bowling. He wasn’t a sort of player who used to spin the bowl a lot or play enduring knocks throughout the day. Instead, he was a player who effectively contributed in all the three departments. Hence, he was a true all rounder and one of the finest players produced by England. 

He played 298 international martches for ECB, scored 6,678 runs and grabbed 366 wickets. Because of his essential contributions in all the three arenas, he was even declared as vice captain of the national team in white ball cricket.

He announced his retirement from Test cricket on 7 June, 2023, but came back for 2023 Ashes as Jack Leach was unavailable then. Later, on 8 September, 2024, he announced his retirement from all formats. 

International stats 

Moeen Ali’s awards and recognitions 

• In January 2015, he was nominated for the Best at Sports award at the British Muslim Awards
• Appointed as Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2022 Birthday Honours for services to cricket 
• In November 2024, he received Honorary Doctorate from Coventry University for his contribution to English cricket
• Won 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup
• Won 2022 ICC T20 World Cup

Moeen Ali in franchise cricket

Cricketers nowadays prefer to play a lot of franchise cricket as it gives them a lot exposure and such leagues involves huge amount of money. Like every other cricketer, Ali too participates in a number of leagues in different parts of the world, solidifying his persona as a global cricketer. He made his IPL debut in 2018 when he was bought by Royal Challengers Bangalore for INR 1.7 Crores. He had a below par performance then and hence in 2020, he was released. Next year, in 2021 he was picked by Chennai Super Kings for an even better deal, INR 7 Crores. 

His record with both the teams has been as follows: 

In The Hundred, he is playing for Birmingham Phoenix since 2021 and in Bangladesh Premier League, he represents Comilla Victorians. 

Moeen Ali: An Altruist

Ali is ambassador of StreetChance, a programme providing free weekly cricket sessions in deprived areas of UK. In 2015, he joined Orphans in Need as their Global ambassador and carried their logo on his bat. In 2014, in a Test series against India, he wore “Save Gaza” and “Free Palestine” wristbands in connection with Gaza conflict.

This is testament that Moeen Ali in not just an excellent player but a good human being too, who considers society’s well being as his responsibility.