An interview with Moeen Ali
As the second half of the T20 gets underway, we have an interview with Yorkshire;s Moeen Ali. Original article published June 2026, reporter Guy Williams.
Moeen Ali, 38, the former England all-rounder, winner of two World Cups in 2019 and 2022 plus two IPL titles, and a player with more than 430 T20 games behind him, was and is Yorkshire’s star Vitality Blast signing; and on and off the field, his vast experience is benefitting Yorkshire-top of the North Group going into this weekend’s matches.
Yorkshire’s record in the T20 is weak, having never won it, which is why Moeen was recruited. Does he think his new county can at long last win the trophy?
“ Yorkshire can be genuinely competitive. I think probably we have a better chance now. Everyone here is invested in winning the trophy and it’s about time a county like Yorkshire won it.
“ The squad is a blend of good overseas players and young and experienced cricketers. I’m impressed with George Hill who’s bowling well, and batter James Wharton has been outstanding. Jonny Bairstow is still a brilliant player and it’s great that he’s leading the side. Once he rang me and asked me to join Yorkshire, it wasn’t that difficult.
“ I asked him what the team would be and I thought ‘That’s a good side.’ At this stage of my career, I just want to win trophies for the last two years.
“ I’ve settled in well. It’s an honour to be here, with all Yorkshire’s history. It’s been a breath of fresh air, and I’ve not been as excited about playing cricket for such a long time.
“ I’ve been impressed with how professional Yorkshire are. They’ve everything covered to make it possible to go out and perform. I’ve been looked after in every way, and Headingley is an amazing place to play as I know from my England days.
“ I think I’ve had a decent start- 51 -against Derbyshire and I’ve bowled OK. I’m pretty happy as long as I’m contributing to the team winning.
“ I’ve honestly loved playing here and I’m more than likely to renew my contract. A lot has been talked about Yorkshire in the last four years or so, but it’s about building bridges and showing everyone that this is a brilliant county and that anyone can come here and play.”
With the Test series against New Zealand now underway, how does Moeen (68 Tests 2014-2023) rate England’s chances?
“ It’ll be a tough series. New Zealand are a good side. I think it’ll be one-all with a draw, and later Pakistan will be a tough challenge too. I think England have learnt a lot from the winter. For example, Ben Duckett will be hungrier in terms of making sure that when he gets in, rather than scoring 60s, he goes on to score 160.
“ Going back to T20 cricket, you can prolong your career by playing it, and regarding the sensational impact in the IPL of 15-year-old Sooryavanshi, having watched him LIVE and on television, he’s a once in a generation player, a freak the way he hits the ball. A super talent, but I don’t think he should play Tests for India now, but definitely he should play ODI cricket.”