Moeen Ali signs for Yorkshire CCC as T20 specialist
YORKSHIRE lost a T20 World Cup winner when Dawid Malan left the club by mutual consent in November but they have wasted no time in replacing him with another, signing Moeen Ali, the former England all-rounder, to play in next season’s Vitality Blast.
Moeen, 38, has reversed his decision to retire from English domestic cricket - announced last February - having ended his association with Warwickshire last summer.
He said that the opportunity to work with Anthony McGrath, the Yorkshire head coach, and to help the club forward was “a fresh challenge” that he was “hungry for”.
Moeen, who will effectively replace Malan as a top-order batsman and give captain Jonny Bairstow another spin-bowling threat, has the option to extend his Blast deal by a further year and will turn 40 during that 2027 tournament.
“I’m delighted to be joining Yorkshire,” he said in a statement.
“It’s a huge club with a proud history, but what really appeals to me is where the team is heading.
“There’s a lot of talent in the squad, and the chance to work with Anthony (McGrath) and help push the group forward is exciting for me.
“I’ve always loved playing at Headingley; the wicket, the atmosphere and the supporters make it a special place.
“This feels like a fresh challenge, and I’m arriving hungry for it.
“I want to bring my experience, enjoy my cricket and help Yorkshire compete.”
Moeen played 92 T20s for England between 2014 and 2024, the highlight arriving in 2022 when he was part of the squad - along with Malan - that won the World Cup in Australia.
He was also a member of the squad that won the 50-over World Cup in England in 2019.
Moeen has also won two IPL titles, led Worcestershire to the Blast title in 2018 and captained Birmingham Phoenix to the inaugural Hundred final.
His first appearance will be at Trent Bridge on May 22 when Yorkshire begin their Blast campaign against Notts Outlaws.
Gavin Hamilton, the Yorkshire general manager of cricket, said that Moeen’s capture signified the club’s ambition.
He is Yorkshire’s fifth signing of the year after the arrival of pace bowlers Andrew Tye and Naveen-ul Haq (also for the Blast), quick-bowling all-rounder Logan van Beek (partly for the Blast but primarily for the County Championship) and all-format batsman Sam Whiteman.
“Moeen is a world-class all-rounder whose influence extends well beyond his on-field ability,” said Hamilton.
“His experience and leadership will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen our T20 side and build a team capable of challenging consistently in the Blast.
“He will bring presence to the dressing room, and his arrival will be positive for the wider club and for cricket in Yorkshire.
“His decision to join Yorkshire reflects the direction of travel at the club and the environment we are building.
“We’re excited about what Moeen will bring, not just in performances, but in setting standards and helping drive the group forward.”