Birmingham Bears reveal Moeen Ali as T20 Blast captain

Ali started his professional Bears journey as a 15-year-old having developed through the Academy and Second XI ranks before joining Worcestershire, where he spent 15 years at New Road.

Ali then ended his time with Worcestershire last summer upon completing a move back to his boyhood club.

A left-handed batter and right-arm spinner, the 36-year-old is an Ashes, ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, and ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup winner, as well as a regular in the Indian Premier League.

But he says that having the honour of captaining his boyhood club is right up there with the proudest moments in his exceptional career.

"I’m really grateful to be given the opportunity to captain my hometown Club," said Ali.

"I grew up just a short walk from Edgbaston, always dreamed of playing at this great stadium when I was a child, and now to be made captain is something special.

"The squad looks incredible: there’s talent right through the line-up from top to bottom. But what I’m really encouraged about is that there are some young players who like me came up through the pathway and Academy system at Edgbaston.

"We’ve got Glenn Maxwell, Paul Stirling and Hassan Ali to add to the side as well so it’s set to be an exciting season. Our fans need to get some practice in for those crowd catches!"

Moeen will be involved in the IPL until May but will then join the team for the Blast competition that also begins in May.

"Moeen is not only an extremely talented cricketer, but a leader on and off the pitch," added First Team Coach Mark Robinson. 

"Anyone who has spent time with Mo talks positively about his ability to motivate a team, whilst staying calm in the most pressurised moments.

"Mo has led teams in many franchise leagues around the world and I know how excited he is to be a Bear and lead us at Edgbaston.

"We’re all excited to see him and we’re really looking forward to welcoming him into the changing room."