Skip to content
Search AI Powered

Latest Stories

Moeen says he's 'never experienced' racism in English cricket

Moeen Ali has insisted "hand on heart" he has not experienced any racism during his time in English cricket following a welter of allegations.

The England and Wales Cricket Board have been accused of "institutional racism" by former international umpire John Holder and aspiring official Ismail Dawood, who both feel non-white candidates have been unfairly prevented from becoming match officials.


The duo's accusations follow allegations by Azeem Rafiq that he suffered racial discrimination playing for Yorkshire.

England all-rounder Moeen has previously alleged racial abuse by an unnamed Australia player during a Test match in 2015.

But Moeen said he had not encountered any prejudice in English cricket.

"I can honestly say, hand on heart, that I have never experienced anything like that," he told reporters from Cape Town on Wednesday ahead of England's white-ball series against South Africa.

"I always felt that if you were scoring runs or taking wickets you'll play. I have now been playing for England for six years and always felt at home, always felt like one of the guys," added Moeen, a practising Muslim.

"I am sure there are other guys who say they have and I am sure things have and will be done about it. The review is being done and the ECB are improving in all these aspects of the game.

"No one is perfect, but going forward, I think a lot will be done to get all these things right."

Meanwhile, Moeen, who has made 200 international appearances, vowed to again become an England regular after admitting he hasn't "got that long left" in international cricket.

The 33-year-old off-spinner is no longer a guaranteed first-choice, with Moeen losing his place in the Test side during last year's Ashes.

"I know I haven't got that long left in international cricket, obviously depending on fitness and form, but I'll try my best to do as much as I can to get to the level I want to get," Moeen said.

Moeen, who averages nearly 29 with the bat and more than 36 with the ball from 60 Tests, added: "It's frustrating for myself and it's more of a mental thing.

"I've had enough of a break from Test cricket... There's an opportunity there to be one of the greatest sides ever and be part of that. That's something I want to do."

The veteran added: "I think I was hungrier when I was younger, when you are trying to play Test cricket (for the first time). I think everyone is hungrier then.

"I guess a year-and-a-half ago I had definitely lost a lot of that hunger but over the last six months I feel like it is coming back. I want to play Test cricket and play as much as I can."

More For You

Father of Sara Sharif attacked in prison
Sara Sharif’s father Urfan Sharif and his partner Beinash Batool (Image credit: Surrey Police)

Father of Sara Sharif attacked in prison

THE man who murdered his 10-year-old British-Pakistani daughter, in a high-profile case that caused public revulsion has been attacked in prison, UK officials and media said on Friday (3).

Urfan Sharif, 43, was ambushed by two inmates at London's Belmarsh Prison, where he is serving a life sentence for the killing, the Sun tabloid reported.

Keep ReadingShow less
Twenty councillors in Nottingham resign from Labour

Cllr Milan Radulovic announces his resignation from the Labour party (LDRS)

Twenty councillors in Nottingham resign from Labour

TWENTY councillors in a Nottinghamshire borough have resigned from Labour in protest over the party’s leadership under Sir Keir Starmer.

Leader of Broxtowe Borough Council, Cllr Milan Radulovic, announced on Thursday (January 2) his resignation from the Labour Party alongside 19 other councillors.

Keep ReadingShow less
25 years of Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai: A to Z of the Bollywood blockbuster

Hrithik Roshan and Ameesha Patel in 'Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai'

25 years of Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai: A to Z of the Bollywood blockbuster

WHEN Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai was released on January 14, 2000, it became a surprise hit and the first Bollywood blockbuster of the new millennium. As the second-highest-grossing Hindi film of the year, it catapulted Hrithik Roshan to overnight superstardom. Directed by Rakesh Roshan, this romantic drama achieved numerous milestones, including breaking records for awards, redefining the Hindi film hero, and influencing popular culture.

To celebrate the 25th anniversary of this iconic film, Eastern Eye presents an A to Z guide covering its unforgettable moments, behind-the-scenes stories, and lasting legacy.

Keep ReadingShow less
Jess-Phillips-Getty

Safeguarding minister Jess Phillips said that it is for Oldham Council to decide if a local investigation is necessary. (Photo: Getty Images)

Debate over public inquiry into Oldham child abuse cases

THE DECISION to hold a public inquiry into historical child abuse cases in Oldham has sparked widespread debate.

Safeguarding minister Jess Phillips has declined to launch a national inquiry, stating it is for Oldham Council to decide if a local investigation is necessary, reported The Telegraph.

Keep ReadingShow less
Living Well with Thyroid Conditions

Living Well with Thyroid Conditions

Can you imagine starting each day with a feeling like the one you would get after a long night's run, or during a time when emotions are constantly going high and then low all by themselves? Unfortunately, for many people worldwide, this is not just imagined but already a fact of life, and it is known as thyroid disease.

The small butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck region (referred to as the thyroid) happens to be small but its effects on our health are incredibly significant. The body's metabolism, as well as the mood and energy levels, is the huge arena over which the thyroid is the key player and the body is the circus that the thyroid fights to keep in accord.

Keep ReadingShow less