sport news MOEEN ALI: 'I'm proud to be leading England in historic test in Pakistan, the ... trends now
When my grandfather Shafayat came to England from Pakistan after the Second World War, I doubt even he would have imagined that his grandson would return to the country of his heritage and represent his adopted country as a professional sportsman.
I have been privileged enough to do many overseas trips as an England cricketer from Australia to South Africa to the Caribbean but this tour to Pakistan might be the most special of the lot.
It is going to be memorable playing in front of the Pakistani crowds and also an immense honour to deputise for Jos Buttler, while he recovers from injury, and captain England.
For those who do not know, my family background is both English and Pakistani. In fact, my late grandmother was called Betty Cox but I reckon the cricketing side of me definitely comes from my Pakistani side. I grew up playing the game with a taped up ball like they do in Pakistan and my dad always says I have had that Asian style of playing the game without any fear.
I'm extremely honoured to be part of England's historic tour to the land of my grandfather
Indeed, it is the first time an England men’s side has come to Pakistan since 2005. I was 18 then. I’m 35 now and I must admit I have been looking forward to this trip for a long time. The fact that England are here is huge and it definitely feels like there is something to it.
Quite a few of the squad, including myself, have played in the PSL (Pakistan’s T20 competition) and trust me, the love and the passion for the game in this area of the world is second to none. I have been here a few times now but sharing this journey with Adil Rashid, who is also of Pakistani heritage, was a particularly proud moment.
It was a real pinch-me moment when we got off the plane at Jinnah International Airport in Karachi in our England gear.
This country holds a special place in my heart, for it was here where my mother was born and it was in Karachi where my dad and his twin brother had their lives saved by a doctor when they were seven months old.
Pakistan is very dear to my heart, with several members of my family originating from here
They fell ill in the village of Dadyal which is in Kashmir. Back then, Dadyal was a basic village and both my father and uncle were taken to Karachi for medical help.
We are hoping we can raise the morale of the country by playing cricket in times of difficulty, with the devastating floods that have sadly affected Pakistan. It is a great initiative by the ECB to match our donation as players to the Disasters Emergency Committee’s appeal.
We arrived in the hustle and bustle of Karachi on Thursday morning. Over here, they have granted us VVIP protection — the level given to heads of state — so straight from the
