Moeen to miss Hundred but play T20 Blast before retiring

Moeen Ali, who played for the Birmingham Bears in the T20 Blast, will retire from county cricket this summer.

The 37-year-old’s deal at Warwickshire expires in July and he hopes to participate for the Bears in a player-coach role.

However, he has made a decision to not appear in The Hundred this summer for Birmingham Phoenix.

Moeen ended his international career last year after playing 68 Tests, 138 ODIs and 92 T20 internationals.

“This is a big decision for me and not one I’ve taken lightly”, he said.

“I still love being in a team environment and I still have a passion for the game.” I think talking to players about cricket and the game makes a lot of sense for me to transition into coaching after my playing days are over.

This year’s Blast begins on 29 May, with the group stage running until 18 July.

If the Bears, who won in 2014, advance to the knockout stages, Moeen and the club will have to decide whether he should play. Finals Day will take place on September 13 at Edgbaston.

Moeen is a local hero and an icon of cricket, according to Warwickshire chief executive Stuart Cain. “He has inspired children from all walks of life in our region to pick up a bat and ball,” said Moeen.

It’s great that he’s coming to an end to his domestic career as a bear and will continue to support us through 2025 as he begins his transition to coaching.

Birmingham-born Moeen began his career with the Bears before switching to neighbours Worcestershire, whom he led to the T20 Blast trophy in 2018.