Former England all-rounder Moeen Ali spoke out in support of the Pakistani cricketers. Ali, who is rooted in Pakistani Kashmir on one side of his family, claimed that because of their nationality, cricketers from Pakistan are facing troubles in various parts of the globe.
Moeen Ali’s statement came amid the controversy around the upcoming editor of The Hundred tournament. It was widely reported, few franchises in the league are not interested in bringing Pakistani cricketers. Specifically, according to media reports, the franchises, which have Indian co-owners, have made their stance against signing any cricketers from Pakistan.
Moeen Ali Supported the Pakistan Cricketer Amid The Hundred Controversy
As soon as the reports went in public domain, it sparked a lot of controversies, which are still live. Star cricket personalities like Ali and former England captain Michael Vaughan raised their voices against this possible development.
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During a recent interview with The Sunday Times, Moeen Ali claimed that he spoke to the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) regarding the matter. He is worried because the issue is not only related to the Hundred tournament, but other franchise tournaments around the country also barred the Pakistani cricketers from taking part in the franchise-based tournaments, as Ali claimed. For example, he mentioned Azhar Mahmood who did not get a coaching job in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL).
Moeen Ali Talked With the ECB Regarding This Issue
“I’ve been talking a bit to the ECB about it,” The [Hundred] teams came out a few days ago and made a statement [reaffirming their commitment to inclusivity], and I think that is a great start,” he said.
“This issue is spoken about around the leagues. It’s just a given. It’s specifically Pakistan internationals, but not just their players. Azhar Mahmood didn’t get a coaching job in the CPL”, the former England international cricketer said in the interview.
Former England Cricketer Asks South Africa to Support Pakistan Cricketers
Ali believes that South Africa, the nation that witnessed a lot of discrimination and racism in the past, should take a stance on the current issue. He talked about India as well. The former cricketer admired the people of India but felt sad for the players as they are currently avoiding handshaking with the Pakistan National Cricket Team.
“Countries like South Africa, which have been through so much discrimination, so much racism [through apartheid], should take a stand on this. They know what it is like. But money talks. When money’s involved people don’t open their mouth and they don’t stand up for the truth, or what is right.” Moeen Ali said.
“I’ve been to India many times. I’ve never faced anything. The people are amazing. I feel for the players sometimes because they probably get told not to shake hands [with Pakistan players]”, he further added.
A few days ago, former England captain Vaughan also showed his support for the Pakistani cricketers. He sought the ECB’s intervention so that players from every nation could get the opportunity to play in the Hundred league.
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