IPL 2022: CSK all-rounder Moeen Ali's arrival delayed due to visa issues

The Chennai Super Kings are fretting over the arrival of England all-rounder Moeen Ali following visa issues. Moeen, who was retained by the four-time winners for a sum of INR 8 crore before the mega auction last month, awaits the clearance of the Indian High Commission in the United Kingdom.

The franchise CEO Kasi Viswanathan, however, remains hopeful that Moeen, a frequent visitor to India, will be cleared soon and will be able to join the squad in Surat, where the CSK have their camp since last month.

“He had applied for his visa on February 28. It has been more than 20 days since the application was submitted. 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,” Viswanathan was quoted by Cricbuzz. “Even the BCCI has got itself involved to help us. We are hoping that he will get the papers by Monday,” he added.

Gujarat Titans’ coaching staff member awaits clearance as well

Much like Moeen, Abdul Naim, member of the coaching staff of Gujarat Titans, is also in limbo in the UK. Naim is one of the two members alongside Mithun Manhas, who the Titans roped in as members in their coaching setup. The 42-year-old Manhas has grouped with the squad in Ahmedabad, although Naim awaits clearance of his travel documents in the UK before taking the flight to India.

“We are sure the issue will get resolved soon,” an optimistic Titans official was quoted as saying regarding Naim’s arrival. Notably, Naim has previously been associated with the Sunrisers Hyderabad. On the other hand, Manhas, who hails from Jammu, has been with the Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings). He is currently with the J&K state team.

The 15th edition of the Indian Premier League, which is set to be a ten-team affair following the addition of Lucknow Super Giants and the Titans, commences from March 26, with defending champions CSK taking on Kolkata Knight Riders.