Moeen Ali joins Worcestershire

Moeen Ali is moving on © Getty Images

After months of ill-concealed rumours, Moeen Ali has declined a new contract with Warwickshire and has joined Worcestershire. Ali, who captained the England Under-19 side at the World Cup earlier this year, has moved to New Road where his cousin, Kabir, plays. Earlier this summer he confirmed to Cricinfo that he, Kabir and Moeen's brother, Kadeer - currently at Gloucestershire - all held aspirations to play at the same club.

"I'm sure it is the right decision," Ali said. "I have been impressed by Worcestershire and feel the club will give me the best opportunity of developing my career. I'm excited by the prospect of playing alongside Kabir and experienced players like Vikram Solanki, Ben Smith and Graeme Hick."

"We are disappointed to be losing Moeen," Colin Povey, Warwickshire's chief executive commented. "He has come up through our age group and academy structures and looked set for a long career here at Edgbaston. He is a talented and ambitious cricketer and feels he might develop quicker in a new environment. Time will tell whether he has made the right decision but we wish him well."

Although disappointed at losing a rising star, Povey remained excited at the numbers of young talent at the club and confirmed Warwickshire have agreed revised contracts with Jonathan Trott, Paul Harris and Heath Streak.

"Moeen is one of the outstanding young players in English cricket at present," Mark Newton, Worcestershire's chief executive, said. "We believe several counties have shown an interest in him. I am sure he will be challenging for a starting spot from the start of next season."