Moeen Ali, the versatile England all-rounder, has officially retired from international cricket, stating that "the time is right" for him to step aside. Since making his international debut in 2014, Moeen has represented England in all three formats of the game.
The 37-year-old was a key figure in England’s successful campaigns, contributing to their victory in the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup at home and playing a pivotal role in the team’s triumph at the 2022 T20 World Cup.
Moeen initially retired from Test cricket in 2021 but was persuaded to return two years later to take part in the Ashes series against Australia. England ended that series with a draw. Over his career, the off-spinner featured in 68 Test matches, 138 one-day internationals, and 92 T20 internationals.
In addition to being a vital player, Moeen served as vice-captain of the white-ball side and stepped in as captain for England in one ODI and 12 T20 matches. However, he was not selected for the upcoming white-ball series against Australia. Reflecting on his decision to retire, Moeen shared his thoughts in an interview with Nasser Hussain for the Daily Mail, where he mentioned it was "time for the next generation" to step forward in English cricket.
Moeen expressed that although he could continue playing and try to represent England again, he acknowledged that it was unlikely to happen. He noted that even though he still felt capable of playing at the highest level, it was time for the team to progress into a new phase. He stated the importance of being honest with himself about the situation.
Throughout his career, Moeen showcased his skill as a stylish left-handed batter, scoring five centuries in Test cricket and three in ODIs. He also claimed an impressive 204 wickets in Tests, 111 in ODIs, and 51 in T20 internationals.
Moeen’s final match for England came in June during the T20 World Cup semi-finals, where England fell to India by 68 runs. In an interview with Test Match Special, Moeen spoke fondly of Test cricket, calling it the best format. As a young player, he had always viewed it as the most significant and challenging form of the game. For him, white-ball cricket was more of a light-hearted, enjoyable break from the intensity of the red-ball game.
As Moeen steps away from the international stage, he leaves behind a legacy of excellence and a pathway for younger players to follow.