England all-rounder Moeen Ali has retired from international cricket, saying his decision is “about being real to myself”.
Ali was part of the white-ball squads that won the 50-over World Cup in England in 2019 and the T20 World Cup in 2022.
“I’m 37 years old and didn’t get picked for this month’s Australia series,” Ali told former England captain Nasser Hussain, speaking to Mail Sport.
“A hugely important and inspirational cricketer, he was an entertainer” 👏
Nasser Hussain and Ricky Ponting react to the news that Moeen Ali has retired from international cricket 🏏 PIC.TWITTER.COM/TTAOFURCT2
— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) SEPTEMBER 8, 2024
“I’ve played a lot of cricket for England. It’s time for the next generation, which was also explained to me.
“It felt the time was right. I’ve done my part. I could hold on and try to play for England again, but I know in reality I won’t.
“Even retiring, I don’t feel it’s because I’m not good enough – I still feel I can play.”
Moeen Ali stats
Ali’s achievements include the fastest T20 half-century for England, struck off 16 balls against South Africa in 2022.
An England debutant in 2014, he played 68 Tests, 138 one-day internationals and 92 T20 matches at international level.
🏆 2015 Ashes
🏆 2019 World Cup
🏆 2022 T20 World Cup
🏏 6,678 Runs
☝️ 366 WicketsA modern day legend 🏴
Happy international retirement, Moeen Ali 🙌 PIC.TWITTER.COM/5ZMOKMF8HW
— PCA (@PCA) SEPTEMBER 8, 2024
He retired from Test cricket in 2021 but came out of retirement in 2023 for England’s draw in the home Ashes series against Australia.
“I’m very proud,” said Ali. “When you first play for England, you don’t know how many games you’re going to play. So to play nearly 300…
“My first few years were all about Test cricket. Once Morgs (Eoin Morgan) took over the one-day stuff, that was more fun.
“But Test cricket was the proper cricket. Winning the Ashes and two World Cups was great, but from an individual point of view it was my hat-trick against South Africa at the Oval to win us the [third Test in 2017].”
