IPL 2022: CSK all-rounder Moeen Ali to miss team's opening clash due to visa issues

England all-rounder Moeen Ali will not be available for selection for the Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) opening match of the 2022 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) as the all-rounder has not yet received his Indian visa.

The same was confirmed by the CEO of the Chennai Super Kings, Kasi Viswanathan. Viswanathan stated that the CSK franchise has discussed the issue with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), and added that the issue will be sorted out soon.

“It is almost certain that Moeen Ali will miss the first game. He has still not got the visa. We are on it as well as BCCI. Hope it is sorted in a day or two,” said Viswanathan as quoted by the Times of India.

It is disappointing he will not be able to join us: CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan

Viswanathan also added that it is disappointing that Moeen will not be with the CSK for the opening match of the competition. Adding that a separate procedure for visa is followed for players who are of Pakistan descent, Viswanathan revealed that this is the main reason for the delay.

“It is disappointing that he has not be able to join us. They follow set procedures for players with Pakistan descent. That looks like the reason for the delay,” said Viswanathan.

He further stated that Moeen will have to mandatorily serve a quarantine for three days upon his arrival, and only then he can join the bio bubble. The CSK CEO concluded by stating that Moeen will definitely not be able to play CSK’s first match of IPL 2022.

“There is three-day mandatory quarantine which Moeen has to undergo. before joining the IPL bio-bubble. So he will be out of the first game even if he gets his visa today or tomorrow,” concluded Viswanathan.