Moeen Ali has expressed his frustration over Naseem Shah’s unavailability for The Hundred tournament, highlighting that Shah was a top pick for the team and his absence has disrupted their balance. Ali noted that Shah was expected to deliver strong performances, making his absence particularly significant. He emphasized that players should be able to participate in such tournaments if they don’t have other obligations.
Regarding the Champions Trophy in Pakistan next year, Ali said it’s too early to predict his involvement but remains optimistic about England’s chances. He noted that the 50-over format may favor younger players, but he’s ready to contribute if selected. Regardless of his selection, Ali is committed to inspiring future cricketers.
Ali also shared a personal update about his son, Abu Bakr, a 10-year-old cricketer who dreams of playing for England one day. Abu Bakr, a left-handed wicketkeeper-batsman, reflects his father’s passion for the sport.
It’s worth mentioning that Naseem Shah was not granted a No Objection Certificate (NOC) by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for The Hundred League. Despite having a £125,000 contract with Birmingham Phoenix, the PCB denied the NOC due to workload management concerns.