WORCESTERSHIRE and England spin bowler Moeen Ali has been bought by IPL franchise Chennai Super Kings for the upcoming 2021 season.

Ali was purchased in the 2021 IPL Auction for around INR 7 crore (£690,000) just a few days after returning match figures of 8-226 in the 317-run defeat in the second Test between India and England in Chennai.

The 33-year-old has returned home from the series and will miss the remaining two tests.

It was reported initially that it was indeed Ali's decision to travel back to the UK but yesterday England coach Chris Silverwood confirmed it was they who made the decision, not the player.

"We are sorry the impression we gave was that Moeen is being treated differently to other people. He isn't," said Silverwood (BBC Sport).

"The decision for him to go home was ours and we will own that decision."

But now Ali can focus on what's ahead and it looks like a busy season ahead.

The county cricket season begins on April 8, just a week before Chennai Super Kings have their first IPL fixture against Rajasthan Royals. 

It is not yet known the impact his move to Inida will have on his season with Worcestershire.