No top players in Bangladesh now: Moeen Ali

Despite having stepped away from international cricket in 2024, Moeen Ali remains a familiar presence in franchise leagues worldwide. A long-time observer of Bangladesh cricket -- tracing back to his age-level playing days, stints in the country’s domestic circuit, and personal ties to Sylhet -- the 38-year-old is back in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), representing Sylhet Titans this edition. In a conversation with The Daily Star’s Samsul Arefin Khan, the former England all-rounder spoke about Bangladesh cricket’s development gaps, the BPL’s reputation issues, the politics shaping the modern game, and more. The excerpts follow:

The Daily Star (DS): You seem to have brought some luck to Sylhet Titans. They were really struggling, but since you arrived, they have won two out of their last three games. How do you see the overall situation of your team and your chances of qualifying for the playoffs?

Moeen Ali (MA): We have a good chance, though we still have two tough games to play against teams like Rajshahi [Warriors] and Rangpur [Riders]. They are good sides, and we must perform well to qualify, as anything can still happen. However, we have a decent team with good young and local players, which always helps.

DS: You have a long connection with Bangladesh, having played here since U-19 days. Then you came here to play the Dhaka Premier League, BPL and also with the national team. How do you see Bangladesh cricket evolving over the last two decades?

MA: Initially, I saw Bangladesh evolving nicely with players like Tamim and Shakib, but I also feel it has not improved enough recently. While there are many good players now, there are not top players. And that’s where Bangladesh cricket is struggling. The people like Shakib, Tamim have a very good character. The current players seem to be struggling, perhaps due to the coaching, facilities, or the system. In the BPL, some of the shot selection the players do are so silly; the problem is that people have become used to seeing the same mistakes constantly. I am here for few seasons, and I still saw them making same mistakes. It feels like the players here are very slow at learning.

DS: Bangladesh had the "Fab Five" (Shakib Al Hasan, Tamim Iqbal, Mashrafe Bin Mortaza, Mushfiqur Rahim, and Mahmudullah Riyad). Now that they have left, there seems to be a vacuum. Why are Bangladesh not getting players like them now?

MA: The drive must come from within the player to be different. Bangladesh were lucky to have those top players for so long. You guys talk about top five, but I actually believe it’s two -- Tamim and Shakib -- who were outstanding. Success comes from learning; for instance, Rishad Hossain playing in the Big Bash is the right move for his development and for Bangladesh. The difference is that those top players singlehandedly won games for many years of their own.

DS: Do you think Bangladesh were unlucky not to have players like Tamim Iqbal for longer, considering he has not played a World Cup since 2019 due to various issues while Shakib is facing different issues to represent Bangladesh now?

MA: I think Tamim sticks to what he believes is right and does what he feels is best for him. I admire that he says when he feels something is wrong, regardless of politics. Generally, the mindset in Bangladesh regarding journalism, punditry, coaching, and facilities needs to improve.

DS: Apart from Rishad and Mustafizur, do you see any other current Bangladesh players with global potential?

MA: Litton Das, Najmul Hossain Shanto and Tawhid Hridoy are good players with ability. Hridoy is one of the most talented players in Bangladesh, but I haven't seen his improvement continue since I played with him few years ago. Players must challenge themselves in practice by working on things they aren't good at, rather than just practising their strengths. Additionally, the coaching must change; they have coaches with big names, but they are not always effective.

DS: Why has the BPL struggled to reach the next level compared to newer franchise leagues?

MA: It is a matter of reputation regarding payments in one way. For 10 years, there have been issues where players were owed money. Players talk to each other; if someone doesn't get paid, they won't return and will tell others not to risk coming. That is why players now want money upfront, as they know they will get paid in leagues like the ILT20 and the USA. New franchises have to deal with the negative reputation that existed before them.

DS: Why would you encourage players to come to the BPL?
MA: Because it is good for the game. I would tell young players it is very good for their development because the conditions are difficult.

DS: What is your observation regarding the current situation involving BCB and ICC after Mustafizur’s IPL snub?

MA: I’m sad for Mustafizur. It is a shame that politics is mixed with sport, and often politicians are the ones running the cricket. Even if you see Gautam Gambhir, he becomes a politician after retiring and then becomes coach of India. 

DS: Do you think the "Big Three" is turning into a "Big One," with India dominating?

MA: I don't blame India -- one of my favourite places. But they are only doing what Australia and England did before them: making sure they are okay… Other boards often remain silent because their own teams and finances are fine, so no one stands up for what is actually right.

DS: England have been outplayed in the Ashes recently, and it has been a long time since they performed in Australia. What is your take on that?

MA: I think there needs to be a few tweaks with the Test side. While we have very good players, the way you play in certain places at certain times needs to change and become a bit more sensible. Australia is always a difficult tour, and perhaps our preparation was not as good as it could have been, which cost us in the end.

DS: Nasser Hussain took an interview of Brendon McCullum after Ashes and asked him some stern questions, making McCullum offended. How do you react to that?

MA: In England, people love to share their opinions or suggest changes. I believe McCullum knows what he is doing and what he wants. I do not think he needs as many changes as people are suggesting with the various names being thrown around. I don’t think it’s right way to go.

DS: Regarding Joe Root, how certain are you that he will overtake Sachin Tendulkar’s record in the ongoing World Test Championship given his current scoring rate?

MA: I am sure he will pass Sachin. As long as he is fit, he will do it. It may not happen by the end of this current World Test Championship, as I think he needs two years as he lacks around 2000 runs.

DS: You played with Root, one of the legends of this generation, a lot. How do such kind of player prepare in cricket?

MA: He works extremely hard, trains consistently on the simple things, and is mentally very tough. He is a brilliant player who is always helping others, and I believe he works harder than anyone else. If you listen to my podcast, I told them Root will score more than one century, and he did. I think if he goes past Sachin, he will be the best Test player.

DS: Who do you think are the favourites for the upcoming World Cup?

MA: I think India, Australia. I think England will do very well or very bad. Pakistan usually performs okay, and New Zealand is a strong team. I don't think South Africa will do as well as they have in recent years because they lack a wrist spinner, which is crucial in T20 cricket. My top contenders are Australia, India, England, and New Zealand.

DS: Why are wrist spinners so important in the current global cricket scenario?

MA: They can turn the ball both ways, obviously googly and leg-spin. And the ball reacts differently off the pitch. They are match-winners, and you have to stick with them even if they have a string of poor games. I think that’s why Rishad is so important for Bangladesh.