Former England all-rounder Moeen Ali spoke in support of Pakistani cricketers. Ali, whose family hails from Pakistani Kashmir, claimed that because of their nationality, Pakistan cricketers are facing troubles in different parts of the world.
Moeen Ali’s statement has come amid the ongoing controversy regarding the upcoming editor of The Hundred tournament. It was widely reported that some franchises in the league are not interested in bringing in Pakistani cricketers. Notably, according to media reports, the franchises, which have Indian co-owners, have taken their stand against signing any cricketer from Pakistan.
Moeen Ali supports Pakistani cricketer amid The Hundred controversy
As soon as the report became public, it gave rise to many controversies, which are still alive. Star cricket personalities like Ali and former England captain Michael Vaughan have spoken out against this possible development.
Recently, during an interview with The Sunday Times, Moeen Ali claimed that he had spoken to the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) regarding this matter. He is concerned because the issue pertains not only to the Hundred tournament but also other franchise tournaments across the country as Pakistani cricketers have been barred from participating in franchise-based tournaments, as claimed by Ali. For example, he mentioned Azhar Mahmood who did not get a coaching job in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL).
Moeen Ali spoke to ECB regarding this issue
“I’ve been talking to the ECB about this a bit,” the [Hundred] A few days ago the teams came out and gave a statement [reaffirming their commitment to inclusivity]And I think it’s a great start,” he said.
The former England international cricketer said in the interview, “This issue is talked about across the leagues. It is just a given. This is especially the case with Pakistan internationals, but not just their players. Azhar Mahmood did not get a coaching job in the CPL.”
Former England cricketer asks South Africa to support Pakistan cricketers
Ali believes that South Africa, a country that has seen a lot of discrimination and racism in the past, should take a stance on the current issue. He also talked about India. The former cricketer praised the people of India, but he felt sorry for the players as they are currently avoiding shaking hands with the Pakistan national cricket team.
“Countries like South Africa, which have gone through so much discrimination, so much racism [through apartheid]A stand should be taken on this. They know what it’s like. But money talks. When money is involved people do not open their mouths and they do not stand up for the truth or what is right,” Moeen Ali said.
“I have been to India many times. I never faced anything. The people are amazing. I feel for the players sometimes because maybe they are asked not to shake hands [with Pakistan players]”, he adds.
A few days ago, former England captain Vaughan had also shown his support towards Pakistani cricketers. He sought intervention from the ECB so that players from every country can get a chance to play in the Hundred League.
Read more: “Double standards”: Moeen Ali leads revolt targeting ICC and Jay Shah
