Mustafizur Rahman IPL Controversy

A significant controversy has emerged surrounding Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman and his recent signing with Delhi Capitals (DC) for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. The issue arose just hours after Rahman joined the franchise, as he was compelled to depart for national duty with the Bangladesh cricket team, highlighting tensions between IPL commitments and international obligations.

The IPL 2025 season is set to resume on May 17 following a hiatus prompted by the India-Pakistan conflict. Several overseas players, including DC’s Jake Fraser-McGurk and Mitchell Starc, have expressed reluctance to return to India due to ongoing border tensions. To address potential player shortages, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) revised its replacement player rules, enabling DC to sign Rahman on Wednesday as a replacement for Fraser-McGurk, who opted out of the remaining matches.

However, Rahman’s stint with DC was abruptly interrupted when he left for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to join the Bangladesh national team. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) stated that it had not issued a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for Rahman to participate in the IPL, as he was already committed to national duties. BCB CEO Nizamuddin Chowdhury told that there had been no communication from the IPL regarding Rahman’s signing with DC. Rahman confirmed his departure via a social media post, sharing a photo from a flight with the caption, “Heading to UAE to play against them. Keep me in your prayers,” dated May 14, 2025.

This development underscores the challenges faced by franchises and players navigating the overlap between international cricket schedules and the IPL, particularly amidst the geopolitical uncertainties affecting the 2025 season.