F.P. Report
ISLAMABAD: Multan Sultans and England all-rounder Moeen Ali said one of the main reasons behind his participation in the Pakistan Super League is to see the return of the game to Pakistan.
“It’s also to experience the atmospheres and a bit of franchise cricket, but it’s mainly to get Pakistan playing cricket again, getting their fans to experience good players coming, and being part of a franchise league that’s talked about a lot around the circuit,” he added.
“Being of Pakistani heritage, it definitely means a lot to come out and experience it. My father was very keen for me to come out. It’s been amazing,” he said.
No wonder, then, that he is desperate to be part of an England side that tours the country.
“It would be a major stepping stone, milestone, whatever you want to call it… for England to come out,” he said. “It would send a message to the rest of the world. It would be great for cricket,” the Cricketer reported.
According to the ICC’s Future Tours Programme, England are due to play three Tests and five ODIs here in the final months of 2022.
“If they ask and they want to know then of course I’ll be honest about it. I won’t be biased for or against it at all. I’ll tell them what I think and believe,” Moeen said.
“As a player you hope that cricket does come back here and you’re part of that legacy. You hope you’re part of that group that came back and played cricket in Pakistan again.”
“It depends on how people look at it. I look at it as being safe, or at least safer. You might be somewhere where something happens – in South Africa, for example – and you don’t have that. Then you’d be in trouble,” he said.
Most of Moeen’s family is joining him on his PSL adventure – his wife Firuza, children, mother and father have all flown out to be with him at some point.
“Pakistan is a beautiful country – the food, the place, the people are amazing.”
There’s a vibe in Pakistan, which is different to other places,” he said.
“I don’t know if it’s because of my background and my roots, but there’s a great vibe around. “People are very hospitable, they just look after us really well. It’s like a nice chill and obviously the cricket is tough.”
“The fans are electric, especially the Multan fans in the three games that we had there,” he said.
“They love cricket, and I’ve always felt that sport – and cricket in particular – can bring people together and take you away from all the bad stuff. That’s what we probably need.
“In the three games, the atmosphere was unbelievable, right up with the best I’ve ever heard,” said Moeen.
