England set to integrate Moeen Ali into U19 and Lions side as a member of coaching staff - Reports
Veteran all-rounder Moeen Ali, who recently announced his retirement from international cricket, is set to transition right into coaching with an encouraging push by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). The 37-year-old ended his stint in national colors after not being included for the upcoming white-ball series against Australia. His last appearance came during the 2024 T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the USA.
According to a report by The Telegraph, the ECB are prepared to fast-track Ali's coaching ambition by integrating him into the backroom staff of the England U-19 or Lions side. Fellow former player Andrew Flintoff was recently unveiled as the head coach of the Lions, while other prominent retired names like Ian Bell and Graeme Swann have also pursued the same route.
The ECB were prepared to hand a consulting role to Moeen Ali right away with the England U-19 side. The youth setup are scheduled to face Ireland and Scotland in a tr-series from Thursday, September 12 onwards. However, the upcoming series clashed with Moeen Ali's commitment to the Guyana Amazon Warriors in the ongoing 2024 Caribbean Premier League (CPL).
The report suggests that the ECB has no qualms regarding Ali's decision to play the franchise tournament, understanding the lucrative contract it offers. He received the offer to represent the defending CPL champions after the Birmingham Bears lost to Gloucestershire in the T20 Blast quarter-final on September 6.
Recently, James Anderson was also offered the opportunity to work as a coach right after his retirement. The legendary pacer was involved with England throughout the home season, overseeing the transition during the series against the West Indies and Sri Lanka. He is likely to reprise his role in the coming away set of series as well.
"Coaching is something I want to do, I want to be one of the best" - Moeen Ali
Coaching is one of the subjects Moeen Ali touched upon while announcing his international retirement. The all-rounder has played under some reputed coaches over the course of his career, ranging from Stephen Fleming, Daniel Vettori, Gary Kirsten, and most recently Brendon McCullum.
“Coaching is something I want to do – I want to be one of the best. I can learn a lot from Baz [Brendon McCullum]. I hope people remember me as a free spirit. I played some nice shots and some bad shots, but hopefully people enjoyed watching me," Moeen Ali said
Moeen Ali was roped in as Saim Ayub's replacement in the CPL. The Pakistani international could not avail a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) due to his involvement in the home Test series against Bangladesh.