Moeen Ali: Birmingham cricketer set to lead England in historic T20 tour of Pakistan this autumn

Birmingham cricketer Moeen Ali is set to lead England in  their first tour of Pakistan for almost two decades.

Ali, who rejoined Warwickshire earlier this year, has been a stand out performer in what has been a disappointing year for English white ball cricket.

In what is likely to be a changed squad to that which played the home summer season, Ali will lead the team in the absence of captain Jos Buttler.

Here’s what we know about the tour, why it is significant, and when it gets underway.

Why will Moeen Ali be captain?

When current England white ball captain Jos Buttler was announced earlier this year, it was also confirmed that his deputy would be Moeen Ali.

This means that in the captain’s absence, which is expected to be in Pakistan this winter, Ali would lead the side out as skipper.

Buttler could be rested up ahead of the tournament

Why have England not toured Pakistan since 2005?

Pakistan welcome England for a cricket tour for the first time in 17 years this winter, bringing to an end a long and frustrating period in the game.

Pakistan have not hosted any side in over a decade due to fears over the safety of touring sides.

England were due to tour Pakistan in 2021, but this trip was cancelled shortly after New Zealand also abandoned plans to tour.

The white ball tour takes place two months before the start of three Test matches, the first of which begins at the start of December.

Clare Connor, ECB Interim Chief Executive Officer, said:  “The return of our men’s Test team to Pakistan for the first time since 2005 will be an historic occasion.

“The opportunity to play Test cricket in front of passionate cricket-lovers in Pakistan after such a long time is something to be cherished. “We have been working closely with the PCB over recent months and I am grateful to them for everything they have done, and continue to do, to make our Test and T20 tours a mouth-watering prospect for all involved.”

Full schedule of England’s white ball tour in Pakistan

As the final tour before the 2021 Men’s Cricket World Cup, the trip to Pakistan will be crucial in giving players a chance to prove their worth and to build momentum ahead of the tournament.

England will play seven International T20 matches in Pakistan, with the full schedule available below.

Note all matches begin at 3.30pm UK time

• 1st IT20: Pakistan v England, 20 September, National Stadium, Karachi
• 2nd IT20: Pakistan v England, 22 September, National Stadium, Karachi
• 3rd IT20: Pakistan v England, 23 September, National Stadium, Karachi
• 4th IT20: Pakistan v England, 25 September, National Stadium, Karachi
• 5th IT20: Pakistan v England, 28 September, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
• 6th IT20: Pakistan v England, 30 September, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
• 7th IT20: Pakistan v England, 2 October, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

How to sign up to Sky Sports

All of England’s tour of Pakistan will be available to watch live on Sky Sports this autumn and winter.

You’ll need a Sky subscription to watch Sky Sports and there are different options to choose from.

For brand new customers you can get Sky TV and Sky Sports for £44 a month for 18 months instead of £51/month. The price includes a Netflix subscription and there’s a £20 set up fee.

If you want to go all out and have access to all 8 Sky Sports channels including Premier League, cricket and more then that will be an extra £25 a month on top of your current contract.

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