England star Moeen Ali named global ambassador for Hit Big Cricket academy

Hit Big Cricket, a high-performance cricket academy founded by former county cricketer Priyesh Dhoolab, has announced that England international Moeen Ali will join the organisation as its Global Ambassador. The initiative aims to inspire and develop young cricketers across Canada and North America.

Moeen Ali, who grew up in Sparkhill, Birmingham, is one of England’s most recognised players, with achievements including two ICC World Cup titles, two Indian Premier League championships, and an Ashes victory. He was awarded the Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his contributions to cricket. Priyesh Dhoolab, originally from Aston, Birmingham, established Hit Big Cricket in British Columbia, where it has become one of the region’s fastest-growing youth cricket programmes.

The two first met in 1996 through Warwickshire County Cricket Club’s development system. Their shared experiences in Birmingham communities and county cricket shaped a long-standing connection. Both have spoken about the challenges faced by young people in their early years and the importance of creating accessible pathways for aspiring athletes.

Through this partnership, Hit Big Cricket plans to expand its reach beyond coaching, focusing on opportunities for children who may lack access to structured sporting programmes. The collaboration seeks to provide quality training and support for youth cricket development in North America.

“Our story is proof that greatness can come from anywhere,” says Moeen Ali. “If two kids from Sparkhill and Aston can rise above challenges and make a mark on the world, then the next generation can go even further.”