It was an unfair request, really. And a request not made to any of the other rotated players. It forced Moeen into an impossible situation whereby he was made to feel he was either letting down his family or his team. But by then he had made a commitment to that family - a family who have watched on helplessly as he was diagnosed with Covid-19, remember - and they were expecting him home. Was he meant to call and say 'Sorry, kids: hopefully see you in three months'? In such a light, it wasn't really a choice at all. He is, by the way, expected to spend little more than a week at home. His flight back to India departs on February 26.
Was there a Silver Lining to this Dark Cloud ?
what was the US $$ Value of his IPL contract ?