IPL 2024: Mustafizur Rahman to miss CSK's next match against SRH - Reports

Mustafizur Rahman is currently the highest wicket-taker of IPL 2024.

In a significant setback for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in IPL 2024, Mustafizur Rahman, the current Purple Cap holder, has returned to Bangladesh. Consequently, he is expected to miss the upcoming match against his former team, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), scheduled to be played in Hyderabad on April 5.

The reason behind Mustafizur’s sudden departure is his needs to complete visa-related formalities for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024, slated for June. As USA is one of the host countries for the tournament, Mustafizur has traveled back home to fulfill the biometrics process required for his US visa.

This development poses concerns regarding his potential absence from more than just one game, as the waiting period for the passport’s return typically extends beyond a single match.

Acoording to reports Mustafizur’s biometrics appointment is set for April 4, the day before CSK’s match against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Given this timeline, it’s evident that he won’t be available for the crucial encounter. CSK’s subsequent fixture is against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on April 8, this time on home turf. However, if there are any further delays in the US visa processing, Mustafizur might also be sidelined for this game, further complicating CSK’s bowling lineup.

“Mustafizur arrived last night from the IPL for US visa purposes for the upcoming T20 World Cup. He will be giving his fingerprint at the US embassy tomorrow (April 4) and later will travel back to India to join Chennai,” BCB cricket operation chairman Jalal Yunus confirmed to Cricbuzz on Wednesday.

Mustafizur’s absence is a significant blow to CSK, considering his stellar performance in the tournament thus far. With four wickets in the opening match against the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), followed by two wickets against the Gujarat Titans (GT) and one against the Delhi Capitals (DC), he has been instrumental in CSK’s campaign.

However, his availability for IPL matches is limited until April 30, as he has received NOC to participate in the IPL until end of April. He will join his national team afterwards for a five-match T20I series against Zimbabwe at home. This puts additional pressure on CSK to navigate through upcoming fixtures without their star bowler, further emphasising the importance of his timely return for the team’s aspirations in the tournament.

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