MOEEN ALI PROUD TO REPRESENT GUYANA AT THE GSL
“I feel very proud to represent Guyana Amazon Warriors,” says Moeen Ali
Moeen Ali expressed his pride in playing for the Guyana Amazon Warriors once again, ahead of the upcoming ExxonMobil Global Super League (GSL), which will be held at Providence Stadium from July 10 to 18.
The English all-rounder revealed that prior to joining the franchise in 2024, he had only visited Providence once. Now, he’s thrilled to return and represent the Warriors in the second edition of the five-team tournament.
“Guyana for me to visit is amazing. The people are obviously very supportive and brilliant towards cricket. I get that cricket is huge out there, much bigger than I thought it was. And the ground to play, you look forward to every game. So yeah, we are looking forward to playing in front of a big crowd again.”
Known as a globe-trotter in the world of cricket, Ali has represented England across all formats and featured in various domestic leagues worldwide. He first appeared on the international scene in the Caribbean in 2014. However, it wasn’t until 2024 that he finally made his debut in Guyana - first in the T20 World Cup semifinal between England and India, and later in the CPL and GSL.
Having played 298 international matches before retiring from international cricket in 2024, Ali relishes the high-level competition and atmosphere that the GSL brings.
“I think for GSL to have the teams coming from different countries, strong sides, it's something that feels a bit closer to playing against country to country. I'm representing Amazon Warriors, I feel very proud to do that. And I've only been there for a year, and it really does feel like home and feels like I'm part of something special.
“I'm representing a group of people where the passion for the game is amazing. And GSL does give that international feel to it. It's a great competition. Last year was obviously the first one. The first one is always the hardest to do. I think now it's going to flow and it's amazing that it's been set up. It's going to feel like a Champions League almost.”
Reflecting on the tournament's timing this year - being held before the Caribbean Premier League instead of after - Ali believes it could be a crucial advantage for his team if they can carry winning momentum into the CPL.
“I genuinely think if we win GSL the preparation for CPL will be amazing. I think winning trophies is a habit and winning competitions is something you get used to and it's something that we obviously want to try and do. Once you get that feeling and you are in those moments, that crunch moment when you win the trophy, then I think it's going to stand us in good stead for CPL. It's a massive one, so it's a very, very important one, not just for GSL but also for CPL.”
In the inaugural edition of GSL, Ali scored 93 runs in four innings including a fighting half century at the top of the order against Victoria that helped the Guyana Amazon Warriors to finish third, ahead of Lahore Qalandars and Hampshire Hawks on the points table. In 2025, the Warriors will begin their quest for supremacy against defending GSL champions, Rangpur Riders under lights on the opening day.
