In a surprising move, Major League Cricket (MLC) has set its sights on England all-rounder Moeen Ali for their upcoming franchise tournament, commencing on July 13. The Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Moeen’s Indian Premier League (IPL) team, has reportedly proposed a tempting two-year deal that would see the cricketer representing Texas Super Kings in the USA-based competition and Joburg Super Kings, CSK’s sister franchise in South Africa.
With an impressive track record of 74 T20I matches, accumulating 1076 runs and claiming 42 wickets, Moeen brings a wealth of experience in the shortest format. Having previously excelled for the Super Kings, Moeen shares a strong bond with the franchise, making this next step in their relationship all the more enticing. Should the agreement come to fruition, the team would gain control over Moeen’s schedule, potentially requiring him to relinquish his England contract, thereby jeopardizing his spot in the upcoming ODI World Cup.
It’s worth noting that Moeen is not the first cricketer to capture the attention of an MLC franchise. Jason Roy made headlines recently by signing with the Los Angeles Knight Riders, generating significant buzz within the cricketing community. Roy clarified his commitment to playing for England, but in the absence of international fixtures, he opted to participate in the inaugural edition of the MLC, resulting in his departure from the England and Wales Cricket Board’s increment contract.
“As a single-format player without a central contract, I saw the opportunity to compete in this tournament since it doesn’t conflict with England’s schedule. It’s beneficial for me, as an England player, to engage in competitive cricket as much as possible. However, I want to emphasize that my priority remains England cricket, especially with an impending World Cup. Representing one’s country with the national cap is the ultimate honor,” Roy emphasized in a statement, reiterating his dedication to his national team.
The MLC’s pursuit of established international players like Moeen Ali and Jason Roy underscores the growing prominence of the league on the global cricketing landscape. As cricket enthusiasts await further developments, it remains to be seen how these star players’ decisions will shape their future endeavors and impact their international careers.
