In a surprising move, Delhi Capitals announced Mustafizur Rahman as a replacement for Australian opener Jake Fraser-McGurk for the remainder of IPL 2025. However, this has triggered confusion and controversy after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) claimed they were not officially informed about Mustafizur’s participation in the league.
Mustafizur was expected to travel with the Bangladesh national team for their upcoming T20I series against the UAE later this month. The two matches are scheduled for May 17 and 19, followed by five more games in Pakistan on May 25, 27, 30, and June 1 and 3.
“Mustafizur is supposed to go with the team to the UAE according to our schedule. We have not received any communication from IPL officials or Mustafizur,” BCB CEO Nizamuddin Chowdhury told ESPNcricinfo.
Schedule Clash Between DC and Bangladesh
Delhi Capitals are set to play their final league matches on May 18, 21, and 24 — which directly clashes with Bangladesh’s international commitments. If DC qualifies for the playoffs, the situation could get even more complicated.
Mustafizur Rahman, who made his IPL debut in 2016, has previously played for Delhi Capitals in the 2022 and 2023 seasons. He claimed 8 wickets in 8 games in 2022 and featured in just 2 matches the following season.
Across his IPL career, Mustafizur Rahman has played 38 matches, taking 38 wickets at an economy of 7.84. Known for his deceptive slower balls and death-over expertise, he remains a valuable asset in T20 leagues globally.
Mustafizur Rahman’s Global Impact in T20 Cricket
Mustafizur Rahman is one of Bangladesh’s most consistent performers in white-ball cricket. With 132 wickets in 106 T20Is, he ranks among the top left-arm pacers in the format. His overall T20 record stands at 351 wickets in 281 matches worldwide.
Despite his contribution, this unexpected development has put both his national and IPL commitments under question. While Delhi Capitals may be hoping for Mustafizur’s availability to boost their bowling attack, BCB’s stand hints that the pacer might be required for national duty instead.
Whether Mustafizur Rahman will stay in India or head to the UAE remains to be seen, but one thing is clear — this sudden twist has added drama to the closing stages of IPL 2025.
Key Points:
- Mustafizur Rahman signed by Delhi Capitals for remainder of IPL 2025
- BCB says they weren’t informed officially by IPL or Mustafizur
- Bangladesh scheduled for UAE and Pakistan tours in May-June
- Mustafizur’s availability in doubt due to overlapping schedules
- Played 38 IPL matches, took 38 wickets at 7.84 economy rate
