England all-rounder Moeen Ali is set to miss the Pakistan Super League (PSL) in order to focus on the upcoming ODI World Cup, according to The Mirror. Moeen was signed by Islamabad United for the eighth edition of the PSL but has decided to withdraw due to a demanding schedule.
The England vice-captain has played in various matches in different formats in different countries, which has taken a toll on him. With the 50-over World Cup in India on the horizon, Moeen wants to give himself the best chance of success by taking a two-week break before returning to national duty.
Moeen has a special connection to the PSL due to his family's Pakistani heritage, but he realizes that the upcoming ODI and T20 tour of Bangladesh is crucial preparation for the World Cup. On the other hand, England batsman Alex Hales chose the PSL over national duty and withdrew from the English side's tour of Bangladesh.
Several other England cricketers, including Sam Billings, Liam Dawson, and James Vince, also opted for the PSL instead of national duty. The eighth edition of the PSL will commence on February 13 when defending champions Lahore Qalandars take on 2021 champions Multan Sultans in the opening clash at the Multan Cricket Stadium after the opening ceremony.
The tournament will be hosted in various cities including Rawalpindi, Karachi, Lahore, and Multan, with Rawalpindi staging 11 fixtures, Karachi and Lahore hosting nine matches each, and Multan having five home games.
Moeen's withdrawal from the PSL highlights his dedication to the national team and his drive to lead England to back-to-back 50-over World Cups. With a demanding schedule and the pressure of international cricket, Moeen has made a tough but necessary decision to prioritize his preparation for the World Cup.
