'That Is the Dream' - Moeen Ali eyes England coaching role after retirement ahead of T20 World Cup 2026

Former England all-rounder Moeen Ali has spoken about his aspirations to go into coaching after his playing career. The 38-year-old, who retired from international cricket in 2024, is currently in Dubai. He is set to join Ben Stokes in a coaching role with the England Lions during their white-ball training camp in Abu Dhabi. Moeen sees this opportunity as an important step in his coaching journey.

Moeen, meanwhile, has been active on the franchise cricket circuit in recent months. He has featured in leagues in the Caribbean, Canada, UAE and Bangladesh. His upcoming coaching role will be informal but valuable in gaining experience. He will work alongside Andrew Flintoff and several experienced members of the support staff.

“That is the dream. One hundred percent, that would be the dream (to be an England coach)... I think one day, I would want to be a top international coach. Definitely. It is a great opportunity. I am looking forward to that, big time,” said Moeen to ESPNcricinfo. The former all-rounder is preparing to earn his ECB Level Three coaching qualification.

Moeen Stresses Importance of Technique in Modern Cricket

Moeen revealed that coaching has always been part of his life. “I used to coach for my dad’s academy, before I played for England. I used to coach heavily. My brothers all coach and coaching is part of our genetics in some ways. It is a journey that I have always been on,” said Moeen. His father Munir runs the Moeen Ali Cricket Academy, while his family members are also involved in coaching roles.

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Moeen also spoke strongly about the importance of technique in modern cricket. “I am a massive believer in technique. I always have been. I think the one that is lacking in cricket right now generally, with so much T20 cricket, which is great, obviously, in a way - is technique, and having the foundation of proper batting, like in Test matches,” said Moeen. He added, “We [England] got exposed a little bit in Australia, in my opinion, because of probably a bit of a lack of technique at times.”

Moeen believes he can contribute strongly as a spin-bowling coach and batting mentor. “I worked with Saqi and other coaches who were unbelievable. I believe Saqlain Mushtaq is a genius when it comes to offspin and coaching it,” he said. However, he admitted that coaching England is still a distant goal. “I am going to take my time with it to do that, do some punditry, and see which one I like… I have always been the sort of person that goes with the flow,” he concluded.