Antigua and Barbuda Falcons recently appointed England all-rounder Moeen Ali as their captain for the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2026. However, the experienced all-rounder will join the squad late after signing a last-minute replacement deal with Southern Brave in The Hundred in England.
Despite being named captain of the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons this season, the all-rounder confirmed that he will stay in England until his commitments with Southern Brave end. The Falcons will begin their CPL 2026 campaign without their newly appointed captain when the tournament starts on August 7.
Moeen Ali Named Antigua and Barbuda Falcons Captain for CPL 2026
On July 31, Antigua and Barbuda Falcons announced Moeen Ali as their captain for the 2026 Caribbean Premier League through their official social media accounts. The Falcons wrote: "Captain Moeen Ali is ready to lead the Antigua & Barbuda Falcons with passion, experience."
The Falcons have also strengthened their squad by signing Pakistan spinners Shadab Khan and Sufiyan Moqim. Shadab previously played for Trinbago Knight Riders and Guyana Amazon Warriors in the CPL, while Sufiyan will make his tournament debut.
Both players will be available for seven matches, as Shadab is also set to feature for Edinburgh Castle Rockers in the European T20 Premier League.
Southern Brave Deal Delays Moeen Ali's Arrival
Moeen Ali went unsold in The Hundred draft earlier this year after no team selected him. With no contract in place, the veteran cricketer travelled to Sri Lanka and played for Kandy Royals in the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2026.
Southern Brave then signed Moeen as a replacement after wicketkeeper-batter Thomas Rew suffered an ankle injury during the team's opening match against Welsh Fire. The deal was completed on Saturday, and the experienced all-rounder made an unexpected return to The Hundred.
Just 48 hours after playing for Kandy Royals in Pallekele, Moeen featured for Southern Brave against London Spirit at Lord's. ESPNcricinfo senior correspondent Matt Roller reported on X that Moeen will remain with Southern Brave for the rest of The Hundred.
"Moeen Ali straight into the Southern Brave side at Lord's tonight after his replacement deal was signed off earlier today, 48h after playing in the LPL in Pallekele. Am told he's available for the rest of the Hundred despite an existing deal in the CPL, which starts next Saturday," Roller wrote on X.
CPL 2026 Set for Busy Schedule
The 2026 Caribbean Premier League will run from August 7 to September 20. Matches will be played across eight Caribbean nations: Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago.
The CPL overlaps with The Hundred, the European T20 Premier League, and the final stages of the Lanka Premier League. Antigua and Barbuda Falcons will begin their campaign on August 8 and will use interim leadership until Moeen Ali joins the squad after completing his Southern Brave commitments.
Despite the delayed arrival, the Falcons expect Moeen to make a major impact once he reaches the Caribbean. His experience, leadership, all-round ability, and success in franchise cricket will strengthen both the batting and spin attack.
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