Yorkshire County Cricket Club has struck gold, luring retired domestic star Moeen Ali back for the 2026 Vitality Blast on a contract extendable to 2027. Official word dropped Wednesday, fueling optimism for T20 resurgence.
Moeen shared his buzz: ‘Delighted to sign for Yorkshire Blast. Prestigious outfit, glittering past, but the team’s ambition clinched it. Loaded with talent. Eager to team up with Anthony, contribute to the ascent. Adore Headingley – wicket plays true, crowd roars, atmosphere crackles. New quest, appetite whetted. Keen to impart wisdom, relish cricket, empower Yorkshire competitively.’
Title-less in Blast history, they scraped eighth in North Group last year. Departures of David Malan (Gloucestershire) and Jordan Thompson (Warwickshire) were blows, countered by imports Sam Whiteman, Andrew Tye, Naveen-ul-Haq, Logan van Beek.
Cricket GM Gavin Hamilton gushed: ‘Worldie all-rounder Moeen impacts profoundly beyond stats. His leadership trove is vital for our T20 evolution toward Blast dominance. Dressing room dynamo, his integration boosts club-wide positivity in Yorkshire cricket.’
Moeen’s choice validates their vision and vibe. Anticipation builds for his performative and motivational heft.
T20 titan with CSK IPL doubles and 2018 Worcester Blast win; 420 matches yield 7,792 runs (3 centuries, 37 half-tons, 121 best), 271 wickets. International farewell in 2024 paves way for this pivotal Yorkshire stint.