Moeen Ali, at the age of 37, is entering a new cricket career phase. After he retired from international cricket in September 2024, he has been actively playing in French leagues worldwide. His decision to leave English cricket behind gives him more freedom to explore opportunities overseas, as the ECB’s restrictions on no-object certificates (NOCs) limit player movement during the summer.
Moeen is in the final year of his contract with Warwickshire and preparing to transition into coaching. He will play coach for the Birmingham Bears during the T20 Blast this year, skipping The Hundred. If Birmingham qualifies, it remains uncertain whether he will be available for the tournament’s knockout stages.
Moeen has been a key player and captain for Birmingham Phoenix in The Hundred since its inception but will not return to the team in 2025. The eight franchises had until Monday to finalize their retained players, keeping up to 10 players per squad in both men’s and women’s competitions.
Why Moeen Ali is Skipping The Hundred
Moeen’s absence from The Hundred follows a growing trend among players frustrated by the ECB’s strict NOC policies. His longtime England teammate Alex Hales has also opted out, choosing to play for the Knight Riders franchises in Major League Cricket (MLC) and the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) instead. James Vince, Hampshire’s captain, recently voiced his concerns about the restrictions as well.
With Moeen choosing to prioritize overseas leagues, he may return to Guyana Amazon Warriors for the CPL in mid-August. He has previously played for them and participated in the inaugural Global Super League last year.
Moeen’s Statement on His Decision
Warwickshire confirmed Moeen’s plans on Monday. In a club statement, he shared that it was not an easy decision but one he made considering his career and family.
“I still love the game and want to play as much as possible,” Moeen said. “I enjoy the team environment, discussing tactics, and mentoring players. This transition into coaching feels like the right step.”
He remains committed to Warwickshire’s T20 Blast campaign and will be available for all group-stage matches, embracing his new dual role as a player coach.
Big Changes in The Hundred
Moeen is not the only Phoenix player leaving. Jamie Smith and Chris Woakes are also set to move on. London Spirit is reportedly eyeing Smith as their centrally contracted player, while Welsh Fire is interested in Woakes.
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Phoenix narrowly missed the final last year but has retained a solid squad, including Jacob Bethell, Liam Livingstone, Ben Duckett, Dan Mousley, Will Smeed, and Benny Howell. The team will also feature an all-New Zealand pace attack with Adam Milne, Tim Southee, and newly signed Trent Boult.
Other teams are also seeing leadership shifts. Trent Rockets’ captain, Lewis Gregory, and London Spirit’s captain, Dan Lawrence, will enter the draft. London Spirit has already lined up Kane Williamson as their new captain.
Moeen’s Coaching Future
Moeen is working towards his ECB Level Three coaching certification and will be part of Warwickshire’s refreshed coaching team for the T20 Blast. Ian Westwood has replaced Mark Robinson as head coach, while Matt Walker joins as batting coach after leaving Kent. The Blast kicks off on May 30, shortly after Moeen returns from his IPL stint with Kolkata Knight Riders.
What’s Next for Moeen?
Moeen’s focus is now on short-format cricket and coaching, setting himself up for a career beyond playing. His deep knowledge and experience make him a valuable mentor, and this transition could be the start of a successful coaching journey.
While his absence from The Hundred will be felt, fans can still watch him in action in the T20 leagues worldwide. His decision reflects the changing landscape of cricket, where players can maneuver their careers.
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