Delhi Capitals Sign Mustafizur Rahman Amid IPL 2025 Controversy
BCCI's New Signing Rules and Mustafizur's Situation
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has recently approved the signing of replacements for the ongoing IPL 2025 season, clarifying that these signings will not carry over into the next season. In light of this, the Delhi Capitals have brought in Mustafizur Rahman to replace Jake Fraser-McGurk, who has stepped away from the tournament for personal reasons. However, concerns have emerged regarding Rahman's participation, particularly since he has not secured a no-objection certificate (NOC) to join the league.
Typically, players are required to have an NOC to participate in the IPL. According to Nizamuddin Chowdhury, the CEO of the Bangladesh Cricket Board, Rahman has not requested such a certificate, despite being called up for national duty. Chowdhury stated,
"Mustafizur is supposed to go with the team to the UAE according to the schedule. We have not received any communication from IPL officials. I have also not received any such official communication from Mustafizur either."
Mustafizur's Return to Delhi Capitals
The Delhi Capitals have welcomed back Mustafizur Rahman, affectionately known as Fizz, as a temporary substitute for Jake Fraser-McGurk. Rahman previously played for the Capitals in the 2022 and 2023 seasons. He has been signed for INR 6 crore, but under the new replacement regulations, he will not be eligible for retention in future seasons.
It is important to note that Bangladesh's cricket team is set to engage in consecutive T20I series against the UAE and Pakistan, with Rahman included in the squad. The team is scheduled to play two T20 matches in the UAE on May 17 and 19, followed by a five-match T20I series in Pakistan from May 25 to June 3. These international fixtures coincide with the IPL schedule, as the Delhi Capitals are expected to play their last three league matches on May 18, 21, and 24, with potential playoff games if they qualify. This overlap raises significant concerns regarding player availability for both the IPL and national commitments.