Mustafizur Rahman Joins Delhi Capitals for IPL 2025 – A Late‑Season Boost

How Mustafizur Rahman Landed in Delhi

When Delhi Capitals announced they had secured Mustafizur Rahman as a replacement for the injured Australian bat man Jake Fraser‑McGurk, the cricket world took notice. The 29‑year‑old left‑arm fast bowler, famed for his deceptive slower‑ball and death‑over accuracy, was initially listed as a surprise addition, sparking a flare‑up with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).

BCB officials claimed they had not received any formal request from the IPL franchise. CEO Nizamuddin Chowdhury publicly warned that Mustafizur was slated to join the national squad for a two‑match T20I series against the United Arab Emirates. The confusion could have cost the seamer a place in one of cricket’s biggest leagues.

Negotiations turned quickly. Within 48 hours, the BCB issued a No Objection Certificate (NOC) that allowed Rahman to feature in Delhi’s final three league matches – scheduled between 18 May and 24 May 2025. The agreement also ensured that he would fulfill his national duties, playing the first T20I in Sharjah on 17 May before joining the Capitals.

What Rahman Brings to a Playoff‑Hungry DC

Delhi Capitals sit on the cusp of the playoffs, needing a reliable bowler who can deliver in the death overs. Mustafizur’s track record fits the bill: he has taken 68 wickets in 52 IPL matches across three seasons with Sunrisers Hyderabad and fledgling stints with other franchises. His ability to bowl tight yorkers and a well‑timed slower‑ball makes him a valuable weapon on sub‑continental pitches.

Beyond raw numbers, Rahman offers experience that the Capitals’ relatively young bowling unit craves. He has bowled in high‑pressure games for Bangladesh, including the 2023 World Cup where his 3‑for‑15 spell against England turned the tide. His recent form in the UAE series – three wickets at an economy of 6.8 – suggests he is still sharp despite a busy international calendar.

• Death‑over precision: Known for keeping the run‑rate below 8.5 in the final ten overs.
• Left‑arm angle: Provides variety alongside DC’s right‑arm pacers.
• Proven IPL experience: Already adapted to Indian conditions and team dynamics.
• Fitness: Passed a tight medical check despite a lingering side‑strain from the UAE tour.

His inclusion also carries symbolic weight for Bangladeshi fans. The main IPL auction saw none of the country's big names – Shakib Al Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, or Mustafizur himself – secure a contract. The replacement route revived hopes that Bangladesh’s talent can still shine on the Indian stage.

Logistically, Rahman’s arrival was smooth. He boarded a flight to Dubai on 14 May, touched down in the city that hosts the Capitals’ base camp, and began daily video calls with the coaching staff to sync on game plans. Coach Ricky Ponting praised the bowler’s professionalism, noting that the short window makes every training session count.

The upcoming match against Gujarat Titans on 18 May marks Mustafizur’s first IPL appearance of the season. If he can replicate his 2019 IPL debut, where he dismissed three top‑order batsmen in his first over, DC could see a decisive shift in their bowling balance.

Beyond the field, the episode underscores the growing negotiation complexities between franchise leagues and national boards. While the IPL’s financial allure is undeniable, the BCB’s insistence on a clear NOC reflects a cautious approach to protect its players’ international commitments. This balance may set a precedent for future cross‑border signings, especially as more South Asian talent seeks short‑term IPL stints.

With only three games left in the league stage, every wicket will matter. Mustafizur Rahman’s brief but potentially explosive stint could be the catalyst Delhi Capitals need to clinch a playoff berth, while simultaneously giving Bangladeshi cricket a proud moment on the global T20 stage.