Moeen Ali set to miss IPL opener due to visa issues

Mooen's side, Chennai Super Kings, are scheduled to play Kolkata Knight Riders in the tournament opener on March 26

Moeen Ali is set to miss the opening match of the 2022 Indian Premier League because of a visa delay.

Chennai Super Kings, the defending champions, are scheduled to face Kolkata Knight Riders in the curtain raiser on March 26.

However, with new arrivals in India expected to quarantine for three days upon arrival, the deadline has passed for him to be available for selection. He is believed to have applied for his visa last month.

Confirming Moeen’s absence, CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan told the Press Trust of India: "He will miss the first game, but we are hoping he gets the visa soon enough."

^{Devon Conway (right) could make his IPL debut in Moeen's absence [Francois Nel/Getty Images]}

Moeen was one of four players retained by CSK at the end of the 2021 season, alongside MS Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja and Ruturaj Gaikwad, and was integral to their fourth title success.

The England allrounder scored 357 runs at a strike rate of 137.30 and picked up six wickets while conceding just 6.35 runs per over in 2021, including an invaluable 20-ball 37 against KKR in the final.

In his absence, Devon Conway will likely join Gaikwad and Robin Uthappa at the top of the order, with Ambati Rayudu, Dhoni and Jadeja following them in.

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