The ECB will officially postpone The Hundred on Thursday in a move that has support from across the game.
The new eight team tournament and flagship domestic product for broadcasters will make its long awaited debut in 2021 with hardly any changes to the initial plans drawn up for this year.
That means most of the players who have already been drafted for this summer will retain their deals for next year unless they are no longer able to take them up.
There are 10 players who were due to play in this year's tournament as 'Kolpak' signings under EU legislation but will not be able to do so following Brexit.
With their status altered to an overseas player, teams are only allowed three per squad which means a 'top-up' draft will be needed before next summer's launch.
“It is better for it to be delayed,” agreed Moeen Ali. “As players we want the Hundred played with all the best players around the world available to come and play so it makes more sense that way.
“If we can get other international players who were not available this year to make the Hundred even stronger for next year through a mini draft then we can attract a new audience to come and watch cricket."
Ali is please the ECB have not taken the decision to begin The Hundred behind closed doors, having experienced that in the Pakistan Super League prior to its postponement.
"We played in the PSL the last two or three games with no one in the crowd and it was so bad,” said Moeen. “It’s different and it’s not quite the same.
“For players who are used to playing in front of big crowds you’ve gone from one extreme to the other with no-one there watching.
“It was very difficult to get yourself up for the game. It felt like those warm-up games you play before a big series. It’s not ideal, but it will probably have to be the case for a while.”
