Defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will miss the services of Moeen Ali for their Indian Premier League opener as the star England all-rounder is yet to receive his India visa for competing in the lucrative annual T20 tournament, beginning in Mumbai on Saturday.

CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan confirmed the development "It is almost certain that Moeen Ali wil miss the first game. He has still not got the visa. We are on it as well as BCCI. Hope it is sorted in a day or two," Viswanathan said. "It is disappointing that he has not been able to join us. They follow set procedures for players with Pakistan descent. That looks like the reason (for delay)."

CSK, four-time IPL champions, will take on last edition's runners-up Kolkata Knight Riders in the opening match of the this year's edition at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Saturday.

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