Adil Rashid & Moeen Ali on Playing for Pakistan – Their Answers Will Surprise You!

 

Adil Rashid & Moeen Ali Asked If They Would Play for Pakistan – Their Replies May Surprise You!

England cricket stars Adil Rashid and Moeen Ali recently addressed an interesting question about their international cricketing choices. During a candid discussion on the Beard Before Wicket podcast, both players were asked if they would consider playing for Pakistan, the country of their ancestral roots.

Their responses? Intriguing, to say the least!

Adil Rashid: "I Would Try to Play for the Country I Was Born In"

Adil Rashid, who was born in England, made it clear that playing for another country never crossed his mind. He firmly stated that he would rather go through the system of the country he was born in rather than seek opportunities elsewhere.

"If I was born here, I’d look to play here. If I was born in Pakistan, India, or anywhere else, I’d try to play for that country," Rashid said.

He further dismissed the idea of switching nations, saying:

"It's never crossed my mind to say, ‘Right, I’m going to go play for Pakistan.’ Why would I?"

Moeen Ali: "Playing International Cricket Matters More Than the Team"

Moeen Ali had a slightly different perspective. He emphasized that for him, it’s the love for international cricket that matters more than the country he plays for. When asked if he would play for Pakistan in an alternate scenario, Moeen responded:

"I would play for any international team in the world. It’s about playing at the highest level."

Moeen also found it surprising when the host of the show, who identified as British-Asian, said that he would choose to play for Pakistan over England. Moeen called it a "crazy statement", suggesting that he never even thought about switching nations.

Can England Cricketers Play for Pakistan?

When the host assumed that Rashid and Moeen couldn't play for Pakistan due to rules, both players quickly corrected him:

"We don’t qualify to play for Pakistan."

Even if England hadn’t been an option, Rashid maintained that he would still focus on the cricket system in England rather than consider playing for Pakistan.

He also touched upon the financial aspects and lifestyle choices that come with playing international cricket, indicating that these factors also influence a player’s decision.

Final Thoughts: A Clear Answer

Both Adil Rashid and Moeen Ali have represented England with pride and never considered switching to play for Pakistan. Their responses reflect their strong connection to the country they were born and raised in.

While the debate about dual nationality in sports continues, Rashid and Moeen have made their stance clear—they are proud England cricketers!

What do you think? Should players consider playing for their country of origin, or should they always represent the country they are born in? Share your thoughts in the comments below!