'Fifty overs does get harder the older you get' - Moeen Ali hints at ODI retirement after 2023 World Cup

England all-rounder Moeen Ali has said that he is contemplating retirement from ODI cricket after the 2023 World Cup, which is set to be played in India in October and November. Moeen will be entering the tournament as one of England's key players for his team. England are one of the front-runners to lift the trophy and defend their title, with the return of another main player in Jofra Archer to their arsenal.

Speaking of the all-rounder's records, Ali has played 129 games thus far, wherein he has garnered 2200+ runs at an average of 25.13 including 6 half-centuries and 3 tons. On the bowling end, he has picked 99 wickets at a healthy economy of 5.28, providing crucial breakthroughs for the side when needed.

“I don’t set a lot of goals, but I want to play that World Cup, be a part of that World Cup and hopefully win that World Cup and then we’ll see," Moeen was quoted as saying by talkSPORT2 ahead of the third and final match of the Bangladesh T20I series.

“I’m not saying I will retire or I’m not saying I won’t retire. Another seven or eight months at 35 is a lot. It could be a time where I’m thinking that’s me done now and I might look at (Liam) Livingstone and Jacksy (Will Jacks) and think ‘you know what, my time is up, I’d rather these guys get ready for the next World Cup," Moeen added.

'More logical and just makes more sense' - Moeen Ali on retirement plan

Meanwhile, Moeen confirmed that he will continue playing franchise cricket even if he announces his ODI retirement. He explained that playing fifty-over cricket becomes harder with increasing age, but he will keep taking part in franchise cricket if he is able to perform.

“I think it’s something that’s more logical and just makes more sense. If I’m playing well and playing all the franchise cricket - and playing for England - I don’t see why not. Fifty overs does get harder the older you get, it’s not easy to field and for sure it makes sense that I’ll do that," Moeen concluded.

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