England all-rounder Mueen Ali is set to join the Chennai Super Kings after a long wait. Ali’s entry into India was uncertain due to non – receipt of visa. However, CSK and Ali’s family confirmed that they had obtained the visa.
Visa related papers were received yesterday. Ali’s father, Muneer Ali, said he was ready to go to India. Chennai CEO Kashi Viswanathan said Ali would arrive in Mumbai in the evening and then enter the quarantine.
Ali had applied for a visa four weeks ago but his arrival in India was delayed due to non-action by the Indian High Commission in London. “We have nothing to do with not getting a visa. Mueen has played in India many times and we do not understand why he was not granted a visa,” his family said yesterday.
The England player will miss the first match of the season. Mueen Ali was one of the key players in Chennai’s victory, scoring 356 runs and taking 6 wickets in 15 matches last year. The Chennai Super Kings will play their first match against Kolkata on March 26 at Wankhede.
Visa cleared, Moeen set to join CSK today