IPL 2025: Will Mustafizur Rahman Play For Delhi Capitals? Question Marks Hover Over Bangladesh Fast-Bowler

Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman’s participation in the final phase of the IPL 2025 has been thrown into doubt just hours after he was unveiled as a replacement signing by the Delhi Capitals (DC). Mustafizur, who had previously played for DC, was brought in to fill the void left by Australian youngster Jake Fraser-McGurk.

Despite the official announcement from Delhi Capitals, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has stated that it has not been approached by either the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) or Mustafizur himself regarding the necessary no-objection certificate (NOC) that would permit the left-arm quick to feature in the IPL.

Mustafizur Rahman is back in 💙❤️ after two years!

He replaces Jake Fraser-McGurk who is unavailable for the rest of the season. pic.twitter.com/gwJ1KHyTCH

— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) May 14, 2025

"Mustafizur is currently scheduled to travel with the national team to the UAE," BCB CEO Nizamuddin Chowdhury told ESPNcricinfo. "We haven’t received any formal communication from the IPL or the player about a NOC request."

Amid the confusion, Mustafizur posted an update on X (formerly Twitter), sharing a photo of himself aboard a flight in Bangladesh team attire. The caption read: “Heading to UAE to play against them. Keep me in your prayers.” The message only deepened the uncertainty surrounding his IPL availability.

Heading to UAE to play against them. Keep me in your prayers. pic.twitter.com/dI7DHTfj73

— Mustafizur Rahman (@Mustafiz90) May 14, 2025

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The Bangladesh squad has departed for the UAE, where they are set to face the hosts in a two-match T20I series on May 17 and 19. Following that, they will engage in a five-match T20I series against Pakistan, beginning May 25 and running through June 3 the same day as the rescheduled IPL 2025 final.

Delhi Capitals, currently placed fifth on the points table and vying for a playoff spot, now face a critical juncture. With Australian pacer Mitchell Starc also set to leave the tournament early, Mustafizur’s potential absence compounds DC's challenges in maintaining a balanced pace attack. The decision to bring in the Bangladeshi seamer might have been a contingency plan anticipating further international withdrawals.

DC’s return to IPL action comes in a high-stakes match against Gujarat Titans on Sunday, May 18, in Delhi.