NOC Hurdle and Fixture Clash Cast Doubts Over Mustafizur Rahman's IPL Return

Delhi Capitals made a bold move on May 14 by roping in Bangladesh’s left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman as a replacement for Jake Fraser-McGurk, who pulled out of IPL 2025 citing personal reasons. Mustafizur, who was signed for INR 6 crore, is expected to bolster DC’s bowling attack as they push for a playoff spot.

But things got murky almost immediately. 

While the franchise announced the signing, back in Bangladesh, cricket board officials seemed caught off guard. BCB CEO Nizamuddin Chowdhury told reporters that they had received no official word from the IPL or even from Mustafizur himself about his change in plans. "Mustafizur is supposed to go with the team to the UAE according to the schedule," Chowdhury said. "We have not received any communication from IPL officials. I have also not received any such official communication from Mustafizur either." 

The timing of Mustafizur’s signing raised eyebrows because the Bangladesh team is gearing up for back-to-back T20I series — two matches against the UAE on May 17 and 19, followed by a five-match series against Pakistan starting May 25. That schedule directly clashes with DC’s remaining games in the league phase on May 18, 21, and 24, and possibly the playoffs beyond that. 

Just hours after Delhi announced his inclusion, Mustafizur boarded a flight to Dubai with the Bangladesh squad — adding more fuel to the uncertainty. So, while Delhi may have thought they found a late-season fix for their bowling woes, it now appears they might not have Mustafizur at all. Whether he turns up in DC colors again or sticks to his national commitments remains to be seen, but for now, the situation is anything but clear.  

Also Read: Mustafizur Rahman Replaces Jake Fraser-McGurk in Delhi Capitals Squad for IPL 2025