Delhi: Australia’s experienced all-rounder Moises Henriques has taken a big decision regarding his international cricket career. 39-year-old Henriques will now represent the Portugal national cricket team instead of Australia. He will take the field wearing the Portugal jersey for the first time in the European Qualifier of the T20 World Cup 2028 to be played in August.
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start of new innings
Moises Henriques was born in Portugal, but his family moved to Australia during his childhood. There, he learned cricket and later traveled to the Australian national team. Now after a long time, he will be seen playing international cricket for his birth country.
It was a wonderful journey for Australia.
Henriques played a total of 44 matches for Australia in Test, ODI and T20 international cricket. For many years he was among the useful all-rounders of the team. However, after the year 2021, he did not get a chance in the Australian team. After continuously being out of the team, he decided to give a new direction to his international career.
ICC rules opened the way
According to International Cricket Council (ICC) rules, if a player wants to play for an Associate Member country after representing a Full Member country, he has to wait three years after his last international match. Henriques has not played for Australia after 2021, so he has now fulfilled all the conditions of this rule and is eligible to play for Portugal.
Expectations increased for Portugal team
The Portugal team will start its qualification campaign for the ICC T20 World Cup 2028 with the European Sub-regional Qualifier to be held in Finland. This tournament will be the first stage of the process to reach the World Cup. The special thing is that the T20 World Cup of 2028 will be jointly hosted by Australia and New Zealand.
Excellent record in domestic and franchise cricket
Moises Henriques’ name is counted among Australia’s most successful domestic cricketers and T20 franchise players. He has won a total of 11 major titles in his career. These include major competitions like Big Bash League, Indian Premier League and Champions League T20.
In the Indian Premier League 2016, he was an important part of the title team of Sunrisers Hyderabad under the captaincy of David Warner. Apart from this, he made an important contribution in helping Sydney Sixers win the first Big Bash League trophy. Later, as captain also, he made the team champion in two consecutive seasons.
Even while playing for New South Wales, Henriques won many domestic titles. He has the experience of playing at the top level for a long time, which can now prove to be very beneficial for an emerging team like Portugal.
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It is noteworthy that Moises Henriques’ decision to play for Portugal is not just a step to enhance his career but is also a great example of strengthening associate cricket. The Portuguese team will get a big benefit from his experience.
FAQ
For which country will Moises Henriques now play international cricket?
Moises Henriques will now represent the Portugal national cricket team instead of Australia.
When will Moises Henriques debut for Portugal?
He will take the field wearing the Portugal jersey for the first time in the European sub-regional qualifiers of the T20 World Cup 2028 to be held in August.
How did Moises Henriques become eligible to play for Portugal?
According to ICC rules, a player can represent an Associate Member country three years after playing his last international match for a Full Member country. Moises Henriques did not play for Australia after 2021, so he is now eligible to play for Portugal.
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