England all-rounder Moeen Ali has announced his retirement from international cricket at the age of 37. The Birmingham-born player, known for his left-handed batting and right-arm off-spin, confirmed his decision after being left out of England’s squad for the Australia series this month.
“I’m 37 years old and wasn’t picked for the series,” said Moeen. “I’ve played a lot for England, and it’s time for the next generation. I’ve done my part.”
Moeen made his international debut in 2014 and played in 68 Tests, 138 One-Day Internationals (ODIs), and 92 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) for England. Over his career, he scored 6,678 runs and took 366 wickets. His achievements include winning the 2019 Cricket World Cup and the 2022 T20 World Cup with England.
Moeen last played for England during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. He decided to step away from the game after realizing he was no longer in England’s future plans. Reflecting on his Test career, Moeen became only the 16th player to achieve the milestone of 3,000 runs and 200 wickets in Tests by the end of the Ashes series.
Born in Birmingham on June 18, 1987, Moeen Ali is of Pakistani descent and comes from the Mirpuri community. His grandfather emigrated from Pakistan to England, where Moeen rose to cricket stardom.
Moeen initially retired from Test cricket in 2021 but was recalled for the Ashes series following an injury to fellow spinner Jack Leach. He played a significant role as England’s spin specialist under coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes.
In Tests, Moeen scored 3,094 runs at an average of 28.12, with five centuries and 15 half-centuries. His highest score was 155 not out against Sri Lanka in 2016. With the ball, he claimed 204 wickets at an average of 36.66, with his best figures being 6-53.
Moeen made his ODI debut in 2014 against the West Indies and contributed significantly throughout his career. In white-ball cricket, he scored 2,355 runs in ODIs and took 111 wickets. In T20Is, he scored 1,229 runs and took 51 wickets, becoming a valuable player for England in all formats.
Former Pakistan spinner Saqlain Mushtaq praised Moeen on social media, calling him a “dedicated and hardworking player.” Saqlain also wished him well in retirement, acknowledging the significant impact Moeen had on the game.
Throughout his career, Moeen delivered several standout performances. He hit eight sixes in a Test match against India in 2014, setting a new record for the most sixes by an England player in a Test match. In 2017, he became the fifth-fastest player to reach 2,000 runs and 100 wickets in Tests. Moeen also took a hat-trick against South Africa in 2017, securing a series victory.
Moeen Ali’s all-round abilities made him a key player for England, and he led the team as captain in a T20I match in 2020. He retires as one of England’s most influential cricketers, having left a lasting legacy in both red and white-ball formats.
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