Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman’s participation in the remaining matches of IPL 2025 is now uncertain. Just hours after he was signed by the Delhi Capitals (DC) as a replacement for Australian player Jake Fraser-McGurk, Mustafizur left for the UAE with the Bangladesh cricket team.
The confusion began when the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) said they had not received any request from the BCCI or IPL officials for an NOC (No Objection Certificate), which is necessary for a Bangladeshi player to take part in the IPL. According to BCB CEO Nizamuddin Chowdhury, there was no official communication from either the IPL or Mustafizur himself.
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DC had announced Mustafizur as a replacement player, bringing him back to the team he played for in the past. But at the same time, the Bangladesh team is scheduled to play two T20 matches against the UAE on May 17 and 19, followed by a five-match series against Pakistan from May 25 to June 3. This clashes directly with the IPL, including its final on June 3.
Adding to the confusion, Mustafizur posted on social media that he was “Heading to UAE to play against them” and asked fans to keep him in their prayers, suggesting his focus is on the national team, not the IPL.
Heading to UAE to play against them. Keep me in your prayers. pic.twitter.com/dI7DHTfj73
— Mustafizur Rahman (@Mustafiz90) May 14, 2025
This has created a big problem for DC. They had brought in Mustafizur as a backup after Fraser-McGurk pulled out of the IPL following the emotional impact of the emergency evacuation from Dharamsala. DC might also lose Mitchell Starc, another key fast bowler, so having Mustafizur was part of their plan to fill the gap.
Now, with Mustafizur likely to stay with the Bangladesh team, DC could be left short of fast bowlers at a very important point in the tournament. DC are currently fifth in the points table, very close to playoff qualification.
Their next match is a crucial one against Gujarat Titans, scheduled for Sunday, May 18, in Delhi.
