Moeen Ali opens up on leading England against Pakistan in the T20I series: It was meant to be

Moeen Ali has opened up on leading the England team against Pakistan in the upcoming T20I series. Ali, who has roots in the country, will step in as the skipper in the absence of the injured Jos Buttler.

Moeen Ali opened up on leading England against Pakistan in the upcoming T20I series and said that it was something that was meant to happen.

Ali, who will be leading the team in Jos Buttler's absence, has roots in the country and will have a glorious chance to lead England as they get ready for the upcoming T20 World Cup.

Speaking to BBC Sport ahead of the first T20I, Ali said that leading England in Pakistan is something that was meant to happen and he feels the timing is right as well.

"It was meant to be," Moeen told BBC Sport before the first T20 in Karachi on Tuesday.

"It feels amazing that after such a long time the timing is right for me to lead England there.

"I've played in Pakistan before but representing England for the first time there, that's special and amazing. I'm really excited and hopefully we can play some good cricket and entertain the crowd."

Ali also claimed the true feeling of cricket being back in Pakistan will come when they're playing England at home.