Moeen Ali's OBE about more than 'runs and wickets'
England all-rounder Moeen Ali has insisted his recognition in the Queen's Birthday Honours List is about far more than "runs and wickets". When sportsmen or women are named in one of the British and Commonwealth honours lists presided over by Queen Elizabeth II, who is celebrating her Platinum Jubilee this week, it is usually largely in recognition of a successful on-field career. And while the 34-year-old Moeen, who on Wednesday was named an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE), has made 225 appearances for England in all formats during a 16-year professional career, the dashing Worcestershire batsman and off-spinner has also been a trailblazer for the Asian community in Britain. A Birmingham-born cricketer of Pakistani heritage, Moeen has rarely been shy of proclaiming his Muslim faith in a sport that has faced repeated allegations of discrimination. And while Moeen's cricket achievements include a Test hat-trick and a World Cup winner's medal, he said the OBE was a proud moment for his father Munir and mother Maqsood as well.
