In a twist that has caught many by surprise, former England all-rounder Moeen Ali has withdrawn his earlier decision to retire from English domestic cricket and signed with Yorkshire County Cricket Club for the upcoming 2026 T20 Blast season.
The 38-year-old, who hung up his boots from international cricket in 2024, will bring a wealth of experience to Yorkshire, making it his third county team after previous stints with Warwickshire and Worcestershire. Moeen spoke openly about his decision and what
drew him to Headingley ahead of the 20-over competition. Reflecting on his affection for the Yorkshire setup, Moeen shared his thoughts.
"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," Moeen said in a club statement. "There's a lot of talent in the squad and the chance to work with Anthony [McGrath, head coach] and help push the group forward is exciting for me.,” he said in a statement released by the club.
“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 added.
Yorkshire General Manager Gavin Hamilton underlined what Moeen’s arrival means for the club’s ambitions in the T20 Blast and what he brings to the table.
"He will bring presence to the dressing room, and his arrival will be positive for the wider club and for cricket in Yorkshire. His decision to join Yorkshire reflects the direction of travel at the club and the environment we are building. We're excited about what Moeen will bring, not just in performances, but in setting standards and helping drive the group forward,” Hamilton said.
The Yorkshire club is still seeking its maiden T20 Blast title after it finished at the eighth spot in the North Group during the previous season. The addition of Moeen, a player with vast credentials in T20 cricket across the world, is clearly aimed at tightening that gap and lifting expectations for 2026. The English all-rounder will now have a chance to reunite with his former international colleagues Adil Rashid and Jonny Bairstow.
