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England cricketer Moeen Ali is currently a part of Chennai Super Kings in Indian Premier League 2023, and all set to play the final of the cash-rich league. He has been associated with the Chennai-based franchise since 2021 and won the IPL title the same year. As the IPL franchises are currently focused more on globalisation, and owning more teams, they are offering long term contracts to players, so that they can be their multi-franchise cricketers. Recently, England cricketer Moeen Ali has reportedly been targeted by Major League Cricket (MLC) for their upcoming tournament.
According to reports by The Telegraph, Moeen’s IPL franchise, Chennai Super Kings are set to offer him a two-year deal, which will see Moeen being a part of Texas Super League, CSK’s USA-based franchise, and Joburg Super Kings, CSK’s sister franchise in South Africa. Ali carries a vast T20I experience with 74 T20I matches, and the all-rounder has put up good shots with the four-time IPL winners. If he ends up signing the deal with them, the franchise will have control over his schedule, and with it, his contract with the England and Wales Cricket Board might get jeopardised. This can also put his spot in the World Cup squad under threat.
Interestingly, Moeen Ali is the second player after Jason Roy, who was approached by an MLC franchise. He has reportedly signed a contract with the Los Angeles Knight Riders. He said that his priority has always been to play for England, but since the Three Lions don’t have any international game right now, he would prefer playing in the inaugural season of the competition.
He was quoted saying, “As a single format player with no central contract, I wanted to take the opportunity to play this competition as there are currently no scheduling conflicts with England. It benefits me as an England player to play as much competitive cricket as possible. Just to be very clear, my priority is England cricket, especially with a World Cup soon upon us.” Speaking of Ali's IPL franchise, MS Dhoni side are set to play their 10th IPL final, as they take on the winner of Qualifier 2, on May 28, Sunday.