In a major boost for Yorkshire County Cricket Club, former England all-rounder Moeen Ali has reversed his retirement from domestic cricket, signing a Blast contract for the 2026 season with an option to extend until 2027. The club confirmed the exciting news on Wednesday, signaling a new chapter for the team.
Moeen expressed his enthusiasm in a statement released by Yorkshire: ‘I’m thrilled to join Yorkshire for the Blast. It’s a massive club with a storied history, but what excites me most is the direction the team is heading. There’s real talent in the squad. Working with Anthony and helping push the group forward is an exciting prospect. I’ve always loved playing at Headingley – the wicket, the atmosphere, and the fans make it special. This feels like a new challenge, and I’m hungry for it. I want to bring my experience, enjoy my cricket, and help Yorkshire compete.’
Yorkshire have yet to lift the Blast trophy and finished eighth in the North Group last season among nine teams. They’ve lost key players like David Malan to Gloucestershire and Jordan Thompson to Warwickshire in the off-season but have bolstered their overseas contingent with signings including Sam Whiteman, Andrew Tye, Naveen-ul-Haq, and Logan van Beek.
Cricket General Manager Gavin Hamilton praised the signing: ‘Moeen is a world-class all-rounder whose impact goes far beyond his on-field skills. His experience and leadership will be invaluable as we continue to build our T20 team and aim to consistently challenge in the Blast. He’ll make his presence felt in the dressing room, and his arrival will have a positive effect across the club and Yorkshire cricket.’
Hamilton added that Moeen’s decision to join reflects the club’s ambition and the environment they’re fostering. The team is eager for what he brings, not just in performance but in setting standards and driving the group forward.
Moeen’s T20 pedigree is unmatched. He’s starred in the IPL, winning two titles with Chennai Super Kings, and various global leagues, notably guiding Worcestershire to their first Vitality Blast title in 2018. Across 420 T20 matches (375 innings), he’s amassed 7,792 runs including three centuries and 37 fifties, with a highest of 121, plus 271 wickets. Having retired from international cricket in 2024, this domestic comeback could be transformative for Yorkshire in the upcoming seasons.
