Moeen Ali withdraws from PSL 8 to focus on World Cup
With the 50-over World Cup a top priority, Ali is trying to recover with some home time before returning to the England team
Posted - 2023-02-02T23:11:11+06:00
Updated - 2023-02-02T23:11:11+06:00
England star all-rounder Moeen Ali will not take part in the upcoming eighth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), which is due to start on February 13.
According to media reports, the left-hander has decided to focus on preparation and play for the national team in the white ball series against Bangladesh.
However, despite several England players giving the lucrative PSL priority over their team's planned Bangladesh tour, the white-ball vice-captain has opted to put his national duties ahead of his club.
Moeen had the busiest schedule over the winter, playing 36 cricket matches across three formats. With the upcoming World Cup a priority, the all-rounder believes the upcoming tour of Bangladesh is crucial for his side's title defense in India.
Two-time champions Islamabad United had selected the 35-year-old all-rounder in the additional category for the upcoming PSL.
It will be a major blow for the Shadab Khan-led side as they have already picked Gus Atkinson and Tymal Mills as partial replacements for Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Alex Hales.
PCB held a replacement draft ceremony last month at the request of all franchises to replace players whose availability was in doubt due to national commitments.
It is important to note that England will tour Bangladesh for three T20Is and as many ODIs from March 1st to March 14th, while the PSL runs from February 13th to March 19th.