The continuous delay over Moeen Ali's arrival due to a visa clearance issue has become a matter of concern for Chennai Super Kings. The season opener of the Indian Premier League 2022 will pit the Super Kings pitted against the Kolkata Knight Riders, on 26 March.
Moeen was retained by Chennai for INR 8 crores. He submitted his documents twenty days ago. Despite being a frequent tourist, he is still awaiting clearance Indian High Commission in England.
'He has been a frequent traveller to India and yet he has not got the travel papers. We are hoping he will join the team soon. He has told us that he will take the very next flight after getting the papers,' said Kasi Viswanathan, the CEO of CSK, to Cricbuzz. 'Even the BCCI has got itself involved to help us. We are hoping that he will get the papers by Monday.'
The Chennai Super Kings camp went underway in Surat last month. Later this week, the entire contingent will reach Mumbai to play their first game at Wankhede Stadium.
Update: Moeen finally gets Visa clearance on 24 March
Moeen Ali has finally received the visa clearance from the Indian High Commission, and he is set to arrive in Mumbai on 24 March (Thursday). However, he will have to undergo mandatory self-isolation before joining the squad. He will not be available for Chennai's opening game versus Kolkata Knight Riders.
#AndhaNaalGnyabagam of Thala making the ground in the speed of light!#WhistlePodu #Yellove 🦁💛 pic.twitter.com/Yv9xUw4F7g
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) March 23, 2022