Delhi Capitals Sign Mustafizur Rahman Amid IPL 2025 Uncertainty
Delhi Capitals Secure Mustafizur Rahman as Replacement
In preparation for the resumption of IPL 2025, the Delhi Capitals have acquired Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman to fill in for Australian batsman Jack Fraser-McGurk, who has opted out of the remaining matches following a week-long suspension of the season due to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan.
With several international players hesitant to return for the remainder of IPL 2025, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has permitted franchises to recruit temporary replacements. After Fraser-McGurk announced his decision not to return, the Delhi Capitals moved quickly to sign Rahman for the rest of the season.
However, Rahman's participation in the remaining IPL matches is in doubt as he has traveled to the UAE for national duties. Shortly after his signing, Rahman posted on Instagram, stating, "Heading to UAE to play against them. Keep me in your prayers."
Upcoming International Commitments for Rahman
Bangladesh is set to compete in a two-match T20 series against the United Arab Emirates on May 17 and 19, followed by a five-match T20 series in Pakistan starting May 25. Mustafizur Rahman has been included in both squads, raising concerns about his availability for the IPL 2025 season due to these overlapping commitments.
Communication Issues Between BCCI and BCB
Before the Delhi Capitals finalized the signing of Mustafizur Rahman, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) was not informed of this decision. Neither Rahman nor IPL officials communicated with the BCB regarding his involvement in the IPL 2025.
BCB CEO Nizamuddin Chowdhury stated that they had not received any official notification from Rahman about his participation in the remaining matches for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2025. He remarked, "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."
Uncertainty Surrounding Rahman's Return to IPL
The question of whether Mustafizur Rahman will return from the UAE to join the Delhi Capitals remains unresolved, especially since his first match against the UAE coincides with the IPL's resumption on May 17. The Capitals are scheduled to continue their campaign on May 19.
It is still uncertain if Rahman will withdraw from the Bangladesh squad for the T20 series against the UAE and Pakistan to play for the Delhi Capitals in IPL 2025. The franchise has yet to release an official statement regarding Rahman's participation in the remaining matches.
In the previous IPL season, Rahman played for Chennai Super Kings but had to leave the team midway due to national commitments.
Currently, the Delhi Capitals are positioned fifth in the standings with six victories and five losses, totaling 13 points from 11 matches. Their last game against Punjab Kings in Dharamshala was called off due to security issues amid the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan. To secure a playoff spot, DC must win at least two of their remaining matches.