By Delhi Capitals Announce Mustafizur as Replacement for Jake Fraser-McGurk
The Delhi Capitals (DC) stirred the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 headlines by announcing Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman as a replacement for the unavailable Australian batter Jake Fraser-McGurk. However, the signing has sparked controversy after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) raised concerns over the lack of formal communication regarding Mustafizur’s availability.
BCB Claims No Official Word from IPL or Mustafizur
According to a report by ESPNcricinfo, BCB CEO Nizamuddin Chowdhury stated that Mustafizur was scheduled to travel with the Bangladesh national team to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for a two-match T20 International series later this month.
“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,” Chowdhury was quoted as saying.
This statement casts doubt over DC’s announcement and raises questions about the procedural transparency between franchise and international boards.
Bangladesh’s Busy Schedule Collides with IPL 2025
Bangladesh is set to play two T20Is against the UAE on May 17 and 19, just as the IPL 2025 league stage enters its final stretch. Furthermore, Bangladesh will continue their tour with a five-match T20I series against Pakistan on May 25, 27, 30, and June 1 and 3.
Meanwhile, Delhi Capitals’ remaining league fixtures are set for May 18, 21, and 24, with potential playoff matches following shortly after. This overlapping schedule makes Mustafizur’s participation in both series virtually impossible without board clearance or player exemption.
Mustafizur’s History with Delhi Capitals and IPL Journey
Mustafizur is no stranger to the IPL, having made his debut in 2016 with a standout season for Sunrisers Hyderabad, where he played a pivotal role in their title win. He joined Delhi Capitals in 2022 and remained with the team for two seasons.
In IPL 2022, he featured in eight matches and picked up eight wickets, maintaining a respectable economy rate of 7.62. In IPL 2023, his appearances were limited to just two matches.
Overall, Mustafizur has played 38 IPL matches, taking 38 wickets with an economy rate of 7.84. Known for his deceptive cutters and effectiveness at the death, he has proven to be a valuable asset across various IPL franchises.
Mustafizur’s Impact in International and T20 Franchise Cricket
On the international stage, Mustafizur has become a cornerstone of Bangladesh’s bowling lineup in white-ball formats. The 29-year-old left-arm seamer has taken 132 wickets in 106 T20 Internationals, showcasing his consistency and skill across all formats.
Beyond international duties, Mustafizur is a seasoned campaigner in global T20 leagues. Across 281 T20 matches in various domestic and international competitions, he has claimed 351 wickets, building a reputation as one of the most reliable T20 bowlers in the world.
What’s Next: Awaiting Official Clarification
The current standoff between Delhi Capitals and the BCB leaves Mustafizur’s IPL participation in limbo. With crucial matches approaching in both IPL and Bangladesh’s bilateral series, clarity from the concerned parties is urgently needed.
For now, DC fans and cricket analysts alike are left watching closely as the situation develops. Whether Mustafizur will don the Delhi Capitals jersey again in IPL 2025—or stick to national duty—remains to be seen. Delhi Capitals’ signing of Mustafizur Rahman for IPL 2025 faces uncertainty as the Bangladesh Cricket Board claims no official communication was made. With crucial matches approaching in both IPLs, with Bangladesh scheduled to tour UAE and Pakistan during IPL dates, Mustafizur’s participation remains in question, creating a clash between national duty and franchise commitment.
