Mustafizur Rahman’s IPL 2025 participation in doubt despite DC contract as fresh controversy strikes

Delhi Capitals’ (DC) plans for the remainder of IPL 2025 have been hit, as Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman’s participation is doubtful. The left-arm pacer was brought in to replace Jake Fraser-McGurk, but a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) remains in question.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) permitted teams to sign short-term replacements following the week-long suspension of the IPL 2025 season. Delhi signed Mustafizur. However, the Bangladeshi pacer flew to Dubai to join the Bangladesh national team for a two-match T20I series against the UAE.

Mustafizur Rahman Doubtful for Remainder of IPL 2025 - Report

According to a report by Cricbuzz, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is closely monitoring the current geopolitical climate in the subcontinent. Notably, tensions between India and Pakistan led to the postponement of both the IPL and PSL.

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The BCB wants to make a decision regarding its players’ participation in tournaments while maintaining diplomatic and cricketing harmony with both the BCCI and PCB.

The BCB is considering whether to grant Mustafizur Rahman a No Objection Certificate (NOC). Rishad Hossain and Nahid Rana, who played the Pakistan Super League, are also part of Bangladesh’s T20I squad touring the UAE. If Mustafizur receives an NOC, the BCB might have to extend the same to the two players.

There Is a Thing Called National Commitment - BCB Official

A BCB official said that they are not refusing Mustafizur Rahman’s participation in the IPL with Delhi Capitals, but national duties must be a priority. The official said that releasing Mustafizur could prompt questions from Rishad Hossain and Nahid Rana, who played in the PSL and might expect similar treatment.

"We are not saying that we won't let Mustafizur play in the IPL for the Delhi Capitals but at the same time, there is a thing called national commitment and he needs to fulfil that," a BCB director said on request of anonymity.

"Along with that, if we had released him in that case, what would we have done with the two cricketers who took part in PSL, as they could have asked why we were not releasing them?" he added.

"We don't want to be in a position that allows any Board to point a finger at us," he said.

Mustafizur Rahman May Be Released by Bangladesh After UAE Series

The report added that Mustafizur Rahman might be released by Bangladesh after their two-match series against the UAE or after the first game. He can play for the Delhi Capitals against the Gujarat Titans on May 18. The pacer could play at least three group matches and more if Delhi makes it to the playoffs.

Mustafizur would rejoin the Bangladesh team before their upcoming series against Pakistan starting May 27. He would join Delhi Capitals alongside Mitchell Starc and T Natarajan. The Axar Patel-led team remains in contention for a playoff spot as the IPL 2025 season resumes on May 17.

Delhi Capitals are in fifth place in the IPL standings with 13 points from 11 matches. They are just one point behind fourth-placed Mumbai Indians (MI), who have played an extra game.

Also read: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli’s A+ contract at risk? BCCI makes big revelation after Test retirements