MOEEN Ali is on the shortlist for the inaugral Asian Cricket Awards (ASA) professional player-of-the-year prize.

The England and Worcestershire all-rounder is in contention along with Warwickshire batsman Varun Chopra, Yorkshire all-rounder Adil Rashid and England and Essex all-rounder Ravi Bopara.

The awards have been conceived to recognise and reward inspirational Asian cricketers across the entire cricket industry and the winners of the many different categories will be announced at the ASA gala evening at Lord’s on October 7.

Moeen scored his maiden Test century against Sri Lanka at Headingley and picked up 19 wickets in the five Tests against India to earn a central contract.

He also helped Worcestershire gain promotion from Division Two of the LV= County Championship, averaging more than 60 from his eight appearances.

Moeen said: “Asians throughout the UK make an enormous contribution to all aspects of the game. It’s great to see their input celebrated in such a positive way at the home of cricket.”

Middlesex slow left-armer Ravi Patel, Essex all-rounder Kishen Velani, who played against Worcestershire at Chelmsford last week, have been nominated for the professional young player of the year award.

The judging panel includes former England captain Mike Gatting and ex-England spinner Min Patel.