Moeen Ali outlines Birmingham Bears T20 Blast hope after retirement announcement

The 37-year-old former England star will not play in The Hundred but does want to be involved in the Blast as a player-coach.

Moeen began his career at Edgbaston before moving to Worcestershire, where he spent 15 years before returning to his home county in 2023.

His deal expires in July and Moeen hopes to play for the Bears in the group stages of the Blast.

“This is a big decision for me and not one I’ve taken lightly,” said Ali. “But I’ve reached a decision in the last few days, taking into account what I feel is best for me and my family at this stage in my career.

“I’m still passionate about the game and want to play as much as I can. I still love playing. I still have passion for the game and I love being in a team environment.

“I also enjoy talking to players about cricket, the tactics, and I think that’ll help me move smoothly into coaching after my playing days are over.

“I came back to Warwickshire with an aim of trying to help them win the Blast and I still want to play a role this year. I’ll be available to play throughout the Blast group games, and would love to be involved as a player-coach.”

Edgbaston will host Finals Day of the Blast in September and should the Bears reach the knockout rounds, Moeen and the club must decide whether he will be involved.

The county has been knocked out at the quarter-final stage of the competition in each of the last four seasons.

"Moeen is an icon of cricket and a local hero who has inspired children from all walks of life across our region to pick up a bat and ball," said Warwickshire chief executive Stuart Cain.

"So it's great that he's finishing his domestic career as a Bear and will continue to help us through 2025 as he starts his transition to life as a coach."