What started as a routine squad adjustment has turned into a major headache for Delhi Capitals. The franchise’s decision to sign Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman as a replacement player for the remainder of IPL 2025 has sparked backlash across social media and raised serious questions about communication, planning, and politics in cricket.
The controversy erupted shortly after Delhi Capitals named Mustafizur as a replacement for Australian batter Jake Fraser-McGurk, who opted out of the second phase of the IPL due to ongoing India-Pakistan tensions. The IPL had recently introduced a rule allowing franchises to sign temporary overseas replacements in such situations. DC appeared to have acted swiftly, but not carefully enough.
Soon after the announcement, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) issued a statement saying it had not provided a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for Mustafizur to participate in the IPL. BCB CEO Nizamuddin Chowdhury confirmed there was no formal communication from the IPL or Delhi Capitals regarding the pacer’s inclusion. He added that Mustafizur was already committed to national duty, including a T20I series against UAE and an upcoming five-match series vs Pakistan starting May 25.
Just hours after being named in DC’s squad, Mustafizur boarded a flight to Dubai with the Bangladesh national team, confirming his immediate unavailability for IPL duties.
Meanwhile, fans on social media were quick to react. Hashtags like #BoycottDelhiCapitals trended across platforms, with many criticizing the franchise’s move as insensitive given the current geopolitical tensions.
Even India's upcoming tour of Bangladesh for a 3-ODI and 3-T20I series is on the verge on cancellation due to the ongoing geopolitical issues between the two countries.
Adding another layer to the issue, cricket boards receive 10% of the player’s IPL salary - meaning BCB could financially benefit despite Mustafizur not playing a single game.
Delhi Capitals, yet to release an official statement, now face both logistical uncertainty and public scrutiny. What was meant to be a tactical fix has instead turned into a public relations misstep.
Mustafizur’s return remains doubtful - and Delhi’s season just got a lot more complicated.
