Moeen Ali breaks silence on quitting IPL over uncertainty, explains PSL switch: ‘Barely got to bat last season’

Moeen Ali opened up on the thinking behind his move, pointing to both personal priorities and career considerations as key factors in his decision.

Updated on: Apr 18, 2026, 06:08:30 IST

Written by Aditya Maheshwari

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Former England all-rounder Moeen Ali explained why he chose the Pakistan Super League over the Indian Premier League this year. With the two tournaments clashing in recent seasons, several overseas players who are uncertain of securing an IPL contract have begun exploring opportunities in the PSL, where chances of regular game time are higher.

Moeen Ali didn't put his name in IPL auction this year. (AFP)

Moeen might have also found himself in a similar position after seeing his demand dip in the IPL over the past couple of years. Rather than waiting on the auction, he opted for a more secure route, signing with Karachi Kings for the 2026 season.

The decision also reflects a broader trend among international players looking to maximise both playing time and stability, especially in the later stages of their careers, instead of risking limited opportunities in a highly competitive IPL setup.

Meanwhile, the English all-rounder opened up on the thinking behind his move, pointing to both personal priorities and career considerations as key factors in his decision.

“There's a few reasons. I'm 38 now, and I still want to play, do well, and extend my career as much as possible. Karachi was a big factor in my decision to come here. It’s a shorter competition, which works better for my family and me," Moeen said on ARY Podcast.

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Moeen played for KKR last season, scoring 5 runs in 6 matches and taking 6 wickets, as he ultimately lost his place in the XI.

“I just want to keep going”

Expanding further, he pointed to his limited opportunities in the IPL last season, stressing his desire for more time in the middle as he looks to make the most of the latter stage of his career.

"Last year in the IPL, I played only half the games and barely got to bat, just twice. At this stage, I want to be out there; I want to bat. I feel like I’m playing good cricket towards the back end of my career, and I just want to keep going," he added.

Concluding his thoughts, Moeen emphasised his focus on enjoying the game and embracing new experiences, even as he acknowledged the uncertainty that comes with selection at this stage of his career.

"You’re never guaranteed a place anywhere, even here, but I just want to enjoy my cricket as much as I can. I’ve always wanted to experience the PSL, but unfortunately, it slightly clashes with the IPL," he said.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Aditya Maheshwari
Aditya Maheshwari is a Chief Content Producer and sports journalist with over seven years of experience covering the sports beat across formats and platforms. A cricket-first reporter by profession, he also follows football closely and considers it an integral part of his sporting journey. His work is shaped by a strong on-ground understanding of the game and an ability to translate match-day moments into clear, engaging stories that connect with readers across digital audiences. Over the years, he has developed a balanced approach that combines factual accuracy with narrative clarity, ensuring that both breaking developments and deeper insights are presented with context. Aditya has reported from the field at several major tournaments, including the ICC Cricket World Cup, the Indian Premier League, and the Indian Super League. First-hand coverage of these events has strengthened his ability to read the pulse of high-pressure contests, whether through live reporting, post-match analysis, or long-form storytelling. Working closely around teams, venues, and evolving storylines has helped him develop a strong sense of timing and editorial judgment. While cricket remains his primary focus, Aditya regularly reports on football and keeps a close watch on other sports such as tennis, hockey, and badminton. His wide-ranging interest allows him to approach stories with broader perspective, understanding how different sporting ecosystems function and evolve. Comfortable in fast-paced digital newsrooms, Aditya is well-versed in modern sports coverage, from live blogs and real-time updates to in-depth analysis and audience-focused storytelling. He believes in keeping sports writing simple, accurate, and grounded, with emphasis on clarity over complexity. At the core of his work lies a commitment to credible reporting and telling stories that go beyond the numbers on the scoreboard, highlighting the people, preparation, and pressure behind every performance.Read More

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