Cricket has to change ... or Test stars will retire early and 50-over game could die
MOEEN ALI has fired a warning shot for international cricket.
The England ace voiced fears that the relentless schedule will cut short players’ careers – or force some to simply walk away from international cricket.
Moeen, 35, has been a big part of England sides across all three formats since 2014.
But he has no doubt that others will question whether they want to make the same commitment while the schedule remains so packed.
He says that something has to give – or players, and even one of the three formats, could fall by the wayside.
“International cricket is, by far, in all three formats, the best cricket to play in,” said Moeen, captain of the Birmingham Phoenix in this year’s The Hundred competition.
“But I do worry that there are so many tournaments.
“Players are retiring more now and you’ll see more retiring soon because of overlapping schedules.
“I feel like there’s no balance, it’s all over the place at the minute.
“You’re just trying to get a couple of franchise gigs, which are decent, and then play Test cricket.
“But you’re going to miss Test matches to play ODIs, or you’re going to play ODIs to miss Test matches and that’s the horrible bit.
“You want to play for England as much as you can, particularly when you’re making your way in international cricket – you don’t want to be missing matches.
“At the moment, it’s not sustainable. Something has to be done because I fear we will lose the 50-over format in a couple of years.
“You’ve got T20s and Test matches, which are great, and then the 50 overs is in the middle.
“I think that’s there’s too much going on.”
Moeen’s words carry considerable weight.
He has played in some of the biggest franchise tournaments in world cricket, including the Indian Premier League.
But for how much longer he represents his country is a matter of debate, given the volume of cricket he and his team-mates are being asked to play.
He also believes that it might be too easy for the next generation of players to follow the money.
“If you’re a young player who’s coming through now, there’s so much to be made from playing franchise cricket,” he said.
“You lose that hunger and you lose that desire for Test cricket, which is the absolute pinnacle.
“It’s easier not to be too bothered about playing Tests. But Test matches have so much potential, particularly the way England are playing.
“There are so many good players who could turn their backs on Test cricket entirely now – and only 10 years ago, it was all about playing Test cricket.” Moeen was speaking ahead of the launch of KP Snacks’ summer cricket roadshow, at The Black Prince Community Trust in Oval, London.
The all-rounder could be a key figure in the second season of The Hundred.
He reached the final of the competition last time and will hope for a similar run with the Birmingham Phoenix, boosted by the pride he feels representing the city where he and his family have done so much to promote the sport to the community.
“A lot more of my friends and family members came to the games last season and I thought it was a great chance to represent them,” he added. “They loved the format and atmosphere.
“I know people who don’t like cricket as much, but, when they came, they said it was the best format for them to come and watch.
“I felt I was representing my family, my friends and everyone who supported me on my journey.”