In a candid conversation on the ‘Beard Before Wicket’ podcast, England cricketers Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid addressed whether they would play for Pakistan if given a choice.
March 18, 2025 | Cricket News Update
England cricket stars Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid were asked a thought-provoking question on the ‘Beard Before Wicket’ podcast—if they would consider playing for Pakistan, given their roots. While the duo acknowledged that they’ve been asked this before, their responses made it clear where their loyalties lie.
Adil Rashid: “I’d Play for the Country I Was Born In”
When asked about the possibility of playing for Pakistan, Adil Rashid said:
“If I was born in Pakistan, I’d try and play for Pakistan. If I was born in England, then I’d try to make it through the England system.”
He further emphasized that playing for another country had never crossed his mind, adding:
“Why would I? I was born here [England], I’ll try to make it through this system.”
Even if playing for England wasn’t an option, Rashid admitted he would still think twice before switching allegiances, considering factors like the financial aspects, lifestyle, and passion for the game.
Moeen Ali: “I Would Play for Any International Team”
For Moeen Ali, the country mattered less than the opportunity to play international cricket. When asked if he would play for Pakistan if England wasn’t an option, Moeen responded:
“I would play for any international team in the world. The opportunity to play at the highest level is what matters.”
Moeen also dismissed the idea of choosing Pakistan over England, calling such a thought process “crazy.”
Host’s Perspective & The Reality of Cricketing Eligibility
The podcast host, identifying as British-Asian, stated that if given a choice, he would prefer playing for Pakistan over England. Both Rashid and Moeen found the statement surprising, reaffirming their belief that a player should represent the country they were born in and came through the system of.
The duo also clarified that they do not qualify to play for Pakistan, as they were born in England and came through its cricketing structure.
Final Thoughts:
While cricketers of South Asian origin often face questions about their dual identity, Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid have made it clear—their allegiance has always been to England. For them, playing for Pakistan was never an option, not due to rules, but by choice.
Tags:
#MoeenAli, #AdilRashid, #EnglandCricket, #PakistanCricket, #CricketDebate, #CricketNews, #BritishAsian,