‘It was meant to be’ - Moeen Ali opens up on taking England captaincy during Pakistan T20Is

Moeen Ali is all set to lead England in the upcoming seven-match T20I series in England after Jos Buttler has been ruled out for the first game due to a calf injury. Buttler had picked up the injury during the Hundred and it remains to be seen if he gets fit to take part in the series later. This had provided an opportunity for the all-rounder, Moeen, to captain the England side in the subcontinent where he has his roots from.

This will be a historic series in many terms as England last visited the nation in 2005 for a bilateral series. Also, Moeen had his grandparents born in Pakistan, and ahead of the first encounter, he was quite honoured about the fact that he will be leading England in front of Pakistan crowd for the first time.  

The timing is right for me to lead England there: Moeen Ali 

Moeen felt that he was destined to lead England in Pakistan and noted the excitement over leading England at the right time. He recalled playing in Pakistan previously and hoped to provide entertainment to the crowd. The 35-year-old added that England touring Pakistan is always special and felt the need for the next generation to be inspired. 

"It was meant to be," Ali told BBC Sport before the first T20.

"It feels amazing that after such a long time, the timing is right for me to lead England there. I've played in Pakistan before but representing England for the first time there, that's special and amazing. I'm really excited and hopefully we can play some good cricket and entertain the crowd." 

“Other teams have toured there already but when England go there, that's when cricket in Pakistan will really feel like it's back. It's really important because Pakistan have always been a really talented team but they need to play in front of their own crowds and their own kids so they can inspire the next generation coming through," he added.