Father of Moeen Ali 'very proud' of son's career

The father of England cricketer Moeen Ali has said he is "very proud" of his son, despite being sad to see him retire.

Ali, 37, announced on Sunday that he would no longer play international cricket.

Born in Birmingham, he spent 15 years with Worcestershire, before returning to his home club, Warwickshire, in 2023.

"As a father, I’m a bit disheartened to see my son no longer playing for England, but he’s had a fantastic career," said Munir Ali.

"It’s an honour, for us, for Moeen to be playing for England and be in an England shirt for 10 years," he said.

"I am delighted for him for what he has achieved on and off the ground."

Ali made his international debut in 2014, and was part of the white-ball squads that won the 50-over World Cup on home soil in 2019, and the T20 World Cup in 2022.

He first retired from Test cricket in 2021, but came out of retirement two years later for the home Ashes series against Australia, which England ultimately drew.

Moeen Ali made his international debut in 2014

Mr Ali said his son talked to him the night before the announcement.

"Everything that he does, he always talks to me first."

"Obviously I was a little bit sad, but I was also happy that he’s finishing the game on a high.

"All good things come to an end one day."

"As a father, I feel a bit different, but it’s the right time for him to give a chance to other youngsters who are coming through."

Mr Ali said he hoped Moeen would be able to carry on playing for a couple of years.

"He’s in very good form to be honest, he’s playing as well as he was playing five or six years ago.

"He looks very good and he does keep himself fit."