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Delhi Capitals’ (DC) recent signing of Bangladesh’s star pacer Mustafizur Rahman for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 has sparked controversy and confusion. While DC announced Mustafizur as a replacement for the unavailable Jake Fraser-McGurk, uncertainty now clouds his participation due to conflicting priorities between his national duties and franchise commitments. Here’s a closer look at why Mustafizur’s IPL future hangs in the balance.
Reason why Mustafizur Rahman’s IPL 2025 participation is in doubt
Mustafizur’s availability for the IPL has been thrown into doubt primarily because of Bangladesh’s packed international schedule. Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) CEO, Nizamuddin Chowdhury, clarified that Mustafizur was supposed to travel with the national team to the UAE for a two-match T20I series against the hosts, scheduled for May 17 and 19. This series directly overlaps with the IPL’s final league games, including crucial matches for the Delhi Capitals on May 18, 21, and 24.
Adding to the complication, Bangladesh are set to embark on a tour of Pakistan for a five-match series immediately after the UAE fixtures, further reducing any window for Mustafizur to join DC in the IPL. The BCB has not received any official communication from either the IPL or Mustafizur regarding his release for franchise duty, nor has it issued the mandatory No Objection Certificate (NOC) required for overseas participation. This lack of formal clearance has left both the franchise and fans in limbo.
Also READ: IPL 2025: Here’s the price at which Mustafizur Rahman replaced Jake Fraser-McGurk in Delhi Capitals
Communication breakdown between DC and BCB
The situation escalated when, just hours after DC’s official announcement, Mustafizur was reportedly compelled to leave for national duty, highlighting a breakdown in communication between the IPL franchise and the BCB. Traditionally, IPL signings are only made public after the player secures a NOC from their home board, but in this instance, the BCB claims it was not approached for such permission.
This confusion is further fueled by ongoing regional tensions and the rescheduling of IPL fixtures following a temporary suspension due to the India-Pakistan conflict, which has already disrupted player availability and logistics for several franchises. For Delhi Capitals, who are still in the race for the playoffs, the absence of a key overseas pacer like Mustafizur could be a significant setback.
Mustafizur, who has previously played for DC in 2022 and 2023, is a proven performer with 132 wickets in 106 T20Is for Bangladesh and a solid IPL record. His ability to deliver in all phases of the innings makes him a valuable asset, but national commitments and administrative hurdles may keep him out of the remainder of IPL 2025.
Also READ: IPL 2025: List of England and West Indies players who’ll miss the remaining season
