Moeen Ali's visa issue resolved, to be available from second game onwards

In what comes as positive news for all the Chennai fans, Moeen Ali has finally got his visa. There was a lot of uncertainty around the same, as the English all-rounder was forced to stay in the UK. He couldn't reach India on time for the Indian T20 league because he was yet to receive his visa.

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However, he can now come to India as he has now got his visa clearance. Due to this delay, he will not be available for Chennai's first match against Kolkata. Nevertheless, he will be available after that, and is expected to play for his franchise's second game.

"He has received his visa and is landing in Mumbai today. He will straightaway go into quarantine upon arrival. He will not be available for the first game against Kolkata but we are happy that all the uncertainty has ended," said Kasi Vishwanath, the CEO of the Chennai-based franchise. According to a report by Cricbuzz, Ali was waiting for his visa approval by the Indian High Commission in London, having applied for it nearly a month ago.

Earlier, Aces Middle East, which happens to be the 34-year-old's management company weren't impressed with the delay as well. According to them, the delay was “mind-boggling”. While writing in response to Chennai's official handle, they had also mentioned the fact that Ali has been to India on numerous occasions.

“The Indian embassy still hasn’t issued his Visa – even though he has been to India on a number of occasions and always left on time and never overstayed – it’s understood that security checks need to take place but this delay is really mind-boggling – anyway we will wait,” they had said.

Nevertheless, Ali will be seen in yellow during Chennai's second game against Lucknow on March 31. This match is set to take place at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai. The reason why he can't directly feature in the XI for the first game is because of the COVID-19 protocols, which make it compulsory for players to undergo a three-day quarantine before joining their team's bio-bubble.