Delhi sign Mustafizur Rahman despite online backlash over Bangladesh ties

Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman is set to link up with Delhi Capitals for a brief stint in the ongoing IPL 2025, having received clearance from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). The left-arm seamer will be available from May 18 to May 24, following his participation in Bangladesh’s first T20I against the UAE in Sharjah on Saturday.

Rahman, who was signed by the Capitals as a replacement for Australian batter Jake Fraser-McGurk, will join the team ahead of their league match against Gujarat Titans on Sunday. The BCB confirmed the development in an official statement, permitting the 29-year-old to feature in the IPL for a short window.

“As per the decision of BCB Cricket Operations, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has granted a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to national team pace bowler Mustafizur Rahman for his participation in the ongoing IPL 2025 in India, for the period from 18 to 24 May, 2025,” the board said. “It may also be noted that Mustafizur is available for Bangladesh`s first T20 international against the UAE scheduled on 17 May 2025 in Sharjah.“

Rahman is currently in the UAE with the national squad for the two-match T20I series against the hosts, scheduled on May 17 and 19. Following the conclusion of that series, Bangladesh will travel to Pakistan for a five-match T20I series beginning May 25 in Faisalabad. With his NOC expiring on May 24, Rahman is expected to rejoin the national team in time for the Pakistan tour.

Delhi Capitals, still mathematically in contention for an IPL 2025 playoff berth, will benefit from Rahman’s inclusion, albeit temporarily. His availability is restricted to the league stage, which concludes on May 24 for the franchise.

Notably, Mustafizur will become the first Bangladeshi cricketer to feature in IPL 2025. Earlier this season, social media witnessed a wave of `#BoycottDelhiCapitals` protests after the franchise signed Rahman. The online outrage stemmed from Bangladesh’s perceived pro-Pakistan position amid heightened diplomatic tensions with India, which emerged in the wake of the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam of South Kashmir.

Delhi’s squad has also been severely impacted by the unavailability of several overseas players following the temporary suspension of the league. Australian pacer Mitchell Starc and South African batter Donovan Ferreira have already informed the franchise of their withdrawal, citing personal reasons.

This article first appeared on Mid Day