Moeen Ali reverses domestic retirement, to play for Yorkshire in T20 Blast

Moeen Ali has reversed his decision of retirement from domestic cricket, and is set to represent Yorkshire in the upcoming T20 Blast. The offspinning all-rounder has been signed on a Blast-only contract for the 2026 season, with an option to extend for 2027, the club announced on Wednesday.

Moeen has played 420 T20 matches, in which he has scored 7,792 runs and taken 271 wickets. Speaking about his decision, Moeen said, "I'm delighted to be joining Yorkshire for the Blast. It's a huge club with a proud history, but what really appeals to me is where the team is heading.

"There's a lot of talent in the squad and the chance to work with Anthony and help push the group forward is exciting for me. I've always loved playing at Headingley - the wicket, the atmosphere and the supporters make it a special place. This feels like a fresh challenge and I'm arriving hungry for it. I want to bring my experience, enjoy my cricket and help Yorkshire compete."

He will link up with the team in May. Before that, he will be part of the coaching team for England Lions' tour to UAE, where they will face Pakistan Shaheens. The coaching group will also include Neil McKenzie, Sarah Taylor, Neil Killeen, Amar Rashid and Ben Stokes which will attend either all or part of the tour. The coaching group will be led by Andrew Flintoff and Troy Cooley, who will be on his first tour since returning to the ECB as Men's Elite National Pace Bowling Lead.

Jordan Cox will lead the T20 side while Dan Mousley has been appointed captain of the one-day squad.

T20 squad: Jordan Cox (captain), Sonny Baker, Luc Benkenstein, James Coles, Sam Cook, Scott Currie, Calvin Harrison, Eddie Jack, Saqib Mahmood, Ben McKinney, Tom Moores, Dan Mousley, Matt Revis, Will Smeed, Nathan Sowter, Mitch Stanley, Asa Tribe

50-over squad: Dan Mousley (captain), Sonny Baker, Luc Benkenstein, Sam Cook, James Coles, Scott Currie, Calvin Harrison, Eddie Jack, Ben McKinney, Liam Patterson-White, Matthew Potts, Matt Revis, James Rew, Mitch Stanley, Asa Tribe, James Wharton

The Lions will play three T20s and five one-dayers against Pakistan Shaheens in Abu Dhabi, from February 20 to March 9.