Moeen Ali ignored warnings to join Yorkshire despite racism concerns
moeen ali said a lot of people advised him against joining Yorkshire, but he went ahead anyway after a chat with Jonny Bairstow. The 38-year-old postponed retirement to help Yorkshire's push for a first T20 Blast trophy.
He said the warnings made him want to join even more. Yorkshire had also won their three opening games before Friday's Roses showdown with Lancashire at Headingley.
Bairstow’s Pitch to Moeen Ali
Ali said he had no hesitation once Bairstow outlined the team's ambitions. He said the move came after he spoke to a former England team-mate and decided the challenge was worth taking on.
"A lot of people told me not to come," he said. In a Radio Leeds interview, he added: "A lot of people I spoke to advised me against coming to Yorkshire and that actually made me want to come even more."
Yorkshire After Azeem Rafiq
His decision came against the backdrop of Yorkshire's response to the racism scandal involving Azeem Rafiq. Five former players were found guilty of bringing the game into disrepute after the treatment of Rafiq, and Ali was one of several high-profile players who spoke out in support of him.
Ali said Yorkshire have done a lot of work since then, but he also said there might be people from a South Asian background who were hesitant to come and be themselves and play. "There were other counties [who suffered with racism problems] as well, but the whole thing started at Yorkshire with the stories and stuff," he said.
Ali’s Job at Yorkshire
Ali said his focus is on performances, trophies and creating a place where players can be themselves. "I've always found that if you do well anywhere, and are good with people, people will be good with you. That's my mindset," he said.
He added: "My main job is to perform and do well for the county, and hopefully win a trophy within the next two years but if you make any sort of difference…" He also said: "I just want people to come and express themselves, play their game and enjoy the game with everybody else."
