Moeen Ali has not ruled out retiring from ODI cricket after the World Cup in October, saying it would be ‘logical’ if he becomes a T20 specialist.
Moeen, who featured in all three of England’s ODIs against Bangladesh as England secured a 2-1 series victory, has played 129 ODIs after making his debut in 2014.
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Ali made his ODI debut nearly a decade ago
He also captained the side for the first time in the format against Australia in November.
At 35, he is a highly respected member of the side and was also a part of the squad that won the World Cup in 2019.
“I don’t set a lot of goals,” Moeen told talkSPORT 2. “But I want to play that [2023] World Cup, be a part of that World Cup and hopefully win that World Cup and then we’ll see.
“I’m not saying I will retire or I’m not saying I won’t retire. Another seven or eight months at 35 is a lot. It could be a time where I’m thinking that’s me done now and I might look at [Liam] Livingstone and Jacksy [Will Jacks] and think you know what my time is up, I’d rather these guys get ready for the next World Cup.
“I haven’t decided but I have sort of an idea of what I want to try and do.”
Moeen retired from Test cricket in 2021 and briefly reversed his decision in June 2022 when Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum took over the team before eventually settling on his call to step away.
One of the most sought after players on the T20 franchise circuit, Ali has captained England on 11 occasions in the format and played a crucial hand in the T20 World Cup Final against Pakistan in November, scoring 19 off 13 deliveries in a low-scoring chase.
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Ali was part of the England team that won the World Cup in 2019
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“I’d never rule that out,” the all-rounder said of potentially carrying on for England solely in T20 cricket.
“I think it’s something that’s more logical and just makes more sense. If I’m playing well and playing all the franchise cricket – and playing for England – I don’t see why not.
“50 overs does get harder the older you get. 50 overs is not easy to field and for sure it makes sense that I’ll do that.
“I’m 35 now, I’m not 26. I’m at the back end and for me there’s more pleasure – obviously I want to play – but if someone’s doing really well and they’re ready and doing better than me then they deserve to be playing.
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Ali has already retired from Test cricket, and may focus on T20s going forward
“It genuinely makes me really happy when I see players coming in…whatever’s best for us and the side and going to make us champions, that’s more important and that’s the bigger picture really, I’m not always that desperate.
“I love playing cricket and I love playing for England, of course, but it’s not the be all and end all and it’s never been like that. And that’s probably why I’ve played more than I thought.”
Listen to England’s third and final T20 match against Bangladesh on Tuesday live and exclusive on talkSPORT.
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