• An outrage sparked among fans after DC signed Mustafizur Rahman for the remainder of IPL 2025.

  • Delhi Capitals are in playoff contention with three crucial matches left in IPL 2025’s league stage.

DC face backlash from fans after signing Mustafizur Rahman for the remainder of IPL 2025
DC face fury of fans with #BoycottDelhiCapitals trend over social media after signing Mustafizur Rahman in IPL 2025 (Image source: X)

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Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 has been anything but routine. After a week-long suspension due to escalating India-Pakistan tensions, the tournament is set to resume on May 17 with a revised schedule and a flurry of controversies. At the center of the latest storm is the Delhi Capitals (DC) franchise, which face a fierce backlash on social media following their decision to sign Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman as a replacement for Australian opener Jake Fraser-McGurk. The move has sparked the #BoycottDelhiCapitals trend, with fans accusing the franchise of poor judgment and even questioning their patriotism.

Fans erupt in outrage over Mustafizur Rahman’s signing in DC

The announcement of Mustafizur’s signing was intended as a strategic move to shore up DC’s bowling attack after losing the explosive Fraser-McGurk. However, the decision quickly backfired. Many fans, already sensitive to the geopolitical climate and recent cross-border hostilities, took to X (formerly Twitter) to vent their anger. The hashtag #BoycottDelhiCapitals surged to the top of trending lists, with users labelling the franchise as a “Deshdrohi team” and demanding a ban on Bangladeshi players in the IPL.

Some social media posts accused the franchise of ignoring the plight of minorities in Bangladesh and referenced broader anti-India sentiments, further fueling the outrage. The backlash was compounded when Mustafizur himself declared he would not join DC, choosing instead to represent Bangladesh in an ODI series against UAE, leaving the franchise in an awkward position. This sequence of events only intensified criticism, with fans questioning both the timing and wisdom of the decision.

DC’s IPL 2025 playoff qualification hangs in balance

Despite the off-field drama, Delhi Capitals remain firmly in the hunt for a playoff spot. With 13 points from 11 matches (6 wins, 4 losses, 1 no-result), DC currently sits in fifth place on the points table, needing at least two wins from their remaining three league games to solidify their playoff chances. The team’s early-season momentum has waned, and the loss of a key player like Fraser-McGurk-combined with the failed replacement saga-adds further pressure as the league resumes.

The BCCI’s decision to allow temporary overseas signings for the remainder of the season was meant to help franchises cope with player unavailability due to national commitments and the unique disruptions of this IPL season. However, the DC-Mustafizur episode has highlighted the complexities and sensitivities involved in such moves, especially when geopolitics and cricket collide.

Also READ: Why Delhi Capitals’ new signing Mustafizur Rahman’s IPL 2025 stint is in doubt?

Here’s how fans reacted:

Also READ: IPL 2025: Here’s the price at which Mustafizur Rahman replaced Jake Fraser-McGurk in Delhi Capitals

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About the Author:
AKASH THAPA
Akash Thapa is a dedicated cricket journalist with three years of experience in the media industry. A BA (JMC) graduate from VIPS, GGSIPU, and a postgraduate in MAJMC from the University of Lucknow, Akash combines his academic credentials with a deep-rooted passion for cricket.His background as a former junior-level wrestler and cricketer enriches his insightful analysis and commentary on the game. Known for his inventive approach to writing and his commitment to capturing the nuances of cricket, Akash is a true aficionado of the sport.Connect with Akash on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram.