Published: Mar 20, 2022, 12:04 AM (IST)
Edited: Mar 20, 2022, 12:04 AM (IST)
New Delhi, March 19: Tensions are rising in the Chennai Super Kings camp as England cricketer Moeen Ali is yet to join the defending champions. There has been a delay in his visa clearance and as a result he didn’t get his travel documents as of now.
The 34-year old was retained by CSK for Rs 8 crore ahead of the IPL Mega Auction which was held in February.
“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,” Kasi Viswanathan, the CEO of the CSK was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz on Saturday.
“Even the BCCI has got itself involved to help us. We are hoping that he will get the papers by Monday,” he added.
The MS-Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings have been having their camp in Surat for the last one month. They play their first match on the opening day of IPL 2022, on March 26, against Kolkata Knight Riders at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
Meanwhile, a member of the Gujarat Titans coaching staff has also similarly been stuck in London. The Ahmedabad team recently expanded their coaching crew by recruiting Abdul Naim of the UK and Mithun Manhas of Delhi, as assistant coaches.
While Manhas has joined the squad in Ahmedabad, Naim, who had previously worked for Sunrisers Hyderabad, has been waiting for his travel clearance in the UK. “We are sure the issue will get resolved soon,” said a Titans official.
Manhas, who was earlier associated with the Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) will take over as the fielding coach of Gujarat.
(With Inputs From IANS)
