IPL 2025 Setback for Delhi Capitals as Mustafizur Leaves for Dubai
1. Introduction: Uncertainty Around Mustafizur Rahman’s IPL Comeback
The Delhi Capitals’ hopes of strengthening their pace attack for the remainder of IPL 2025 have taken a hit as Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman’s availability remains uncertain. Although DC officially named him as a replacement for Jake Fraser-McGurk, recent developments have cast serious doubt over his participation.
READ ALSO –
⸻
2. Delhi Capitals Announce Mustafizur as Replacement for Fraser-McGurk
On Wednesday, Delhi Capitals made an official announcement that Mustafizur Rahman would join the squad for the remaining part of the season. The experienced left-arm pacer was brought in as a replacement for Australian young gun Jake Fraser-McGurk, who exited the tournament early due to international commitments.
With his vast IPL experience, Rahman was expected to bolster DC’s bowling unit, especially in death overs. However, the announcement was made without confirmation of his availability, as he had not yet received a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).
3. Mustafizur Takes Flight to Dubai, Not India
What further added to the uncertainty was a viral image on social media showing Mustafizur boarding a flight to Dubai. The Bangladesh team is set to face the UAE in a two-match T20I series on May 17 and 19, and Rahman has apparently been included in the national squad for the series.
This development suggests that the Bangladesh pacer may prioritize national duty over the IPL, especially without a confirmed NOC from his board. His participation in the IPL is now highly doubtful, despite being officially named by Delhi Capitals.
⸻
4. IPL 2025 Temporarily Halted Amid Rising Tensions
IPL 2025 faced an unexpected one-week pause due to the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan at the border. The BCCI, after consulting with government officials and franchises, decided to suspend the tournament temporarily for safety reasons.
However, with the announcement of an immediate ceasefire by both nations, the IPL is now set to resume with a revised schedule. The remaining 17 matches will be played over a compact window.
5. Revised IPL 2025 Schedule: What Lies Ahead for Delhi Capitals
According to the updated schedule released by the BCCI, Delhi Capitals will play the following three matches:
• May 18: vs Gujarat Titans
• May 21: vs Mumbai Indians
• May 24: vs Punjab Kings
With these crucial matches ahead, DC were banking on Mustafizur Rahman to provide quality pace support. However, the recent turn of events means they may have to look at other internal options or possible late replacements.
⸻
6. Bangladesh Cricket Board’s Role in NOC Delay
The delay in granting the No Objection Certificate (NOC) is primarily due to Bangladesh’s T20I commitments against the UAE. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has always emphasized international duty as a priority, especially in the run-up to the T20 World Cup 2025.
Sources within the BCB have indicated that Rahman’s NOC might not be granted unless there’s a last-minute change in plans or injuries within the Bangladesh squad. This has left the Delhi Capitals management in a state of flux.
Cricket Australia Leaves IPL Decision to Players India Pakistan Ceasefir
7. Impact on Delhi Capitals’ Strategy
Without Mustafizur, Delhi Capitals’ death bowling department looks weaker. Khaleel Ahmed, Mukesh Kumar, and Anrich Nortje are already struggling with consistency. Mustafizur’s experience and variation, especially in slower tracks, could have been vital for DC in the final phase of the league.
Now, head coach Ricky Ponting and skipper Rishabh Pant will have to rethink their strategy for the final games. The unavailability of Fraser-McGurk already affected their batting depth, and Mustafizur’s situation adds to their woes on the bowling front.
⸻
8. Should BCCI Intervene in Overseas Player NOC Issues?
This situation once again brings up the age-old issue of franchise vs. country. While national duty should always take precedence, franchises invest heavily in overseas players, and last-minute pull-outs hurt team balance and tournament quality.
Many experts believe the BCCI should engage in discussions with other boards before allowing franchises to announce replacements officially. Such premature announcements without NOC can mislead fans and disrupt franchise strategies.
⸻
9. Possibility of Another Replacement?
If Mustafizur Rahman remains unavailable, DC may be allowed to name a late replacement, depending on BCCI rules. There are still several unsold pacers and available overseas players who can fill in temporarily.
However, with only three matches remaining, Delhi might choose to stick with their existing squad and focus on domestic bowling options like Rasikh Salam, Vicky Ostwal, or a fit-again Lungi Ngidi (if available).
⸻
10. Conclusion: Delhi Capitals Caught in Uncertainty Yet Again
Delhi Capitals have had a turbulent season in IPL 2025, with inconsistency, injuries, and player availability issues haunting them throughout. The uncertain status of Mustafizur Rahman is just another blow in a season full of challenges.
While fans were hopeful of seeing the Fizz back in action, it now seems unlikely he will feature in this IPL edition. As the Capitals prepare for their final league games, they must focus on regrouping and making the most of the resources at hand.
⸻
Stay tuned to CrickTab.com for all the latest IPL 2025 updates, player news, and post-match insights.
