MOEEN Ali has pulled out of playing in the Pakistan Super League T20 competition for Quetta Gladiators.
The Worcestershire and England all-rounder had been named in the Gladiators squad as a replacement for West Indies player Carlos Brathwaite.
But the 29-year-old has opted instead to link up with members of his family on a pilgrimage to Mecca.
Moeen has tweeted his thanks to the Quetta franchise for being understanding and hopes to play for them in the future.
He wrote: "Thanks guys. Inshallah in the future sometime. Would have loved to have taken part. All the best in the competition."
A tweet from the franchise reads: "Moeen Ali is a top player and a great person. We respect his decision to honour his family commitment first. Good Luck Moeen."
The place of Moeen has now been taken in the Quetta squad by veteran Australian batsman Brad Hodge with the month long competition getting underway on February 9 in the UAE.
Moeen is currently preparing for England's three match T20I series with India.
He put himself forward 12 months ago for the IPL auction but then withdrew because of ECB concerns over his workload as a player involved in all three formats with England.
A hectic 2016 saw Moeen play in 17 Tests and 41 matches in total for his country and the current year also has a demanding schedule.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here