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Cricket

Moeen Ali ecstatic to Captain England in Pakistan

Moeen Ali, England’s allrounder, said on Sunday that captaining the team against Pakistan, where his family has roots, was a “big and proud occasion.”

England is visiting Pakistan for the first time in 17 years and will play seven Twenty20 matches. The first Twenty20 match will be played on Tuesday in Karachi.

Due to Jos Buttler’s calf injury, Moeen will lead England against Pakistan, the nation where his grandparents immigrated during WWII. He has already captained England four times, but this time will be different. “Being captain is a huge honor, regardless matter who you’re up against,” he remarked. “But to do it in Pakistan, returning after such a long time… and to have relatives who migrated from here back in the day, it’s incredible to lead the England team. It’s fantastic.”

moeenMoeen Ali, along with his close buddy Adil Rashid, is one of the two most notable British Asian cricketers of his generation. “I feel like I’m representing my faith, my parents, and everything,” he explained. “It’s a really proud time for me and my family, including my mother and father. Everyone I feel I represent is overjoyed for me.”

He chose to participate in the PSL in 2020 because he wanted to contribute to “getting Pakistan cricket back in the spotlight.” This tour, he views as a continuation of that. “I really wanted to be a part of this.” It’s a major deal when England visits Pakistan; more than any other country, England is the one that Pakistan supporters look forward to seeing.”

“I’m not sure when Buttler will playing, he’s a little more cautious, and maybe by the conclusion of the tour he’ll play one or two games, but it will depend on his improvement,” Ali remarked.

“We want him to be totally fit for the World Cup, so we won’t take any chances.”

moeenEngland is also without Liam Livingstone and Chris Jordan, who are both recovering from ankle and finger injuries. Ben Stokes has been rested ahead of the T20 World Cup, which begins next month in Australia. Despite the unavailability, Ali believes England’s youthful team should not be underestimated, describing them as “a very talented white-ball side.”

Pakistan are in a similar situation, with Shaheen Shah Afridi and Fakhar Zaman out injured and three debutants in this format in their team, including Shan Masood, who had a prolific summer for Derbyshire. “At the present, both teams are probably on the same level.” We’ve got guys missing, they’ve got a couple missing, and they’re also going through a transition even though they’re playing well, so I’m anticipating a really tough, close series and thrilling series.”

Moeen was a youngster on an Under-19 tour to Bangladesh when England last toured in 2005. He doesn’t remember much about it but his cousin, Kabir Ali, was part of the limited-overs side that almost won the fourth ODI.

For the most of his international career, he worried that he would never receive this chance. “I’m someone who wants to play cricket in every cricketing country,” he explained. “I’ve always wanted to tour Pakistan and Zimbabwe. It’s incredible that we’re here. England visiting Pakistan is a big deal.”

Millions of rupees have been put into the England team’s presidential-style protection at a time when most of Pakistan is suffering as a result of catastrophic floods, which has ruined houses, crops, animals, and health facilities.

Proceeds from the first T20 international on Tuesday will benefit the prime minister’s flood relief fund, while England’s players have given a contribution to the Disasters Emergency Committee campaign, which has been matched by the ECB.

“These things are more important to me than cricket,” Moeen stated. “It’s critical that we do everything we can to raise donations and assist in any manner. Those are the most essential things in life, and they might make you feel horrible at times. You’re on tour, playing cricket and getting paid, while folks around are hurting. You, as players, are probably putting a smile on their face by playing and distracting them from whatever is bothering them. But it’s quite sad,” he added.

The first four T20s of the series will be held in Karachi, with the final three in Lahore. The series will come to an end on October 2.

Farzeen K

Farzeen K

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