Mustafizur Rahman Receives Limited NOC to Join Delhi Capitals Amid IPL 2025 Uncertainty

Bangladesh Cricket Board Issues NOC for Mustafizur Rahman

After a period of uncertainty, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has granted a no-objection certificate (NOC) to Mustafizur Rahman, allowing him to join the Delhi Capitals as a substitute for Australian bowler Mitchell Starc. This NOC is valid for a brief period, specifically from May 18 to May 24, 2025, as confirmed by an official statement from the BCB on Friday.

Starc left India following the match between the Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings in Dharamshala, which was called off due to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. His departure indicated that he would not be returning to the tournament. Consequently, several players opted out, citing not only international commitments but also safety concerns stemming from the missile exchanges between the two nations.

In response to the situation, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) introduced a replacement policy, allowing teams to recruit players from the unsold pool for the remainder of the IPL season. Mustafizur was subsequently signed, but there was confusion regarding his availability due to Bangladesh's upcoming T20I matches against the UAE and Pakistan, where he was included in the squad.

With the BCB's NOC valid until May 25, Mustafizur will only be able to participate in three group stage matches for the Delhi Capitals before he must depart ahead of the playoffs. He is set to join the team on May 18, coinciding with their match against the Gujarat Titans in the second phase. The decision on whether he will play in that match rests with the Delhi Capitals management.

In related news, Mitchell Starc has confirmed that he will not be returning to India for the remainder of IPL 2025 after the abandoned match in Dharamshala. This decision allows him to focus on preparing for the World Test Championship final. Starc, who has been the leading wicket-taker for the Delhi Capitals with 14 wickets in 11 matches, will be a significant loss for the team. Additionally, Donovan Ferreira will also not be returning, while Faf du Plessis and Tristan Stubbs are expected to rejoin, although Stubbs will leave after the league stage for the WTC final.