IPL 2024: When Will Mustafizur Rahman Be Available For CSK After Visa Formalities?

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) is set to be without the services of their top wicket-taker in IPL 2024, Mustafizur Rahman as the Bangladesh pacer has flown back home to complete his visa process for the T20 World Cup in the USA and Caribbean.

Mustafizur, who was bought by CSK for a base price of Rs 2 Crore, has featured in all three matches for the defending champions so far this season, claiming 7 wickets at an economy rate of 8.83.

On his debut for the Super Kings led by Ruturaj Gaikwad, Mustafizur ended with the figures of 4 for 29 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru and followed that with 2 for 30 and 1 for 47 against Gujarat Titans and Delhi Capitals respectively.

However, the left-arm pacer is set to miss CSK's next match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, and could miss even more games as per the statement by the franchise's CEO.

"He has gone back home to complete visa formalities and will only be back after he gets his passport back. Tomorrow is the day when he applies for the visa," CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan told PTI.

When will Mustafizur Rahman rejoin CSK squad?

If he is applying for the visa on Thursday (April 4) and returning only once the passport is back as the CSK CEO has said, then the Bangladesh pacer is likely to miss at least two or maximum three matches.

The left-arm pacer will be applying for the visa with the rest of his Bangladesh teammates. Usually, if one is advised on the day of their interview that the application is successful, they should allow approximately 7 to 10 working days for the application to be processed.

Mustafizur may have to wait at least a week or maximum 10 days to recieve his passport on successful application. So, the Bangladesh pacer is likely to miss at least two if not three CSK matches going by the maximum 10 days needed to complete the process.

IPL 2024 Matches Mustafizur may miss for CSK

CSK vs Sunrisers Hyderabad in Hyderabad on Friday, April 5
CSK vs Kolkata Knight Riders in Chennai on Monday, April 8
CSK vs Mumbai Indians in Mumbai on Sunday, April 14

Apart from these games, Mustafizur is also likely to miss matches next month as Bangladesh host Zimbabwe in a five-match T20I series in preparation for the T20 World Cup 2024 from May 3 to 12.

The T20 World Cup begins on June 1 and Bangladesh open their campaign against Sri Lanka in Dallas on June 7. They play South Africa in New York on June 10 before moving to the Caribbean for their remaining two group games.

How CSK can cope with Mustafizur's absence?

Although not a like-for-like replacement, CSK could use Mukesh Choudhary, who is also a left-arm pacer if needed or they can opt for Moeen Ali as the overseas replacement. Moeen's off-breaks could also come handy against SRH left-handed batters.