Mustafizur Rahman to Play in IPL 2025, Misses Bangladesh’s International Match: What Fans Need to Know

Bangladesh’s left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman is once again making headlines—this time for choosing to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 while missing out on a crucial international fixture for his country. This decision has sparked mixed reactions among fans and experts. For Indian cricket followers, especially Delhi Capitals (DC) supporters, the news brings a mix of excitement and curiosity.

In this blog by Sportskeedaa, we break down the latest developments around Mustafizur’s IPL 2025 journey, what it means for Bangladesh cricket, and how the Delhi Capitals are planning to use him in the remainder of the tournament.

Mustafizur’s Journey: From Sharjah to Delhi in 24 Hours

Just one day before joining the Delhi Capitals camp, Mustafizur was representing Bangladesh in a T20 International against the UAE in Sharjah. In that match, he delivered an impressive performance, taking 2 wickets for just 17 runs in his four-over spell. But what surprised many was his quick transition—within 24 hours, he was in India, ready to don the DC jersey for the last few league matches of IPL 2025.

According to reports from platforms like ESPNcricinfo and India Today, this decision was made possible due to a short-term No Objection Certificate (NOC) granted by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). The NOC allows Mustafizur to play in the IPL between May 18 and May 24, 2025. However, it does not extend to the playoff stages of the tournament.

This temporary arrangement shows how cricketers today are balancing between national duties and franchise commitments. For Mustafizur, the IPL offers exposure, competitive experience, and a lucrative contract—all of which are hard to ignore.

Delhi Capitals Sign Mustafizur as a Replacement

Delhi Capitals brought in Mustafizur Rahman as a replacement for Jake Fraser-McGurk, the Australian batter who had to pull out of the tournament due to personal reasons. The signing was officially announced by the IPL Governing Council and also featured on Sportskeedaa.

Delhi Capitals paid a significant sum—reportedly around INR 6 crore—for the Bangladesh pacer. With the team struggling in the points table and needing experienced bowlers to turn things around, the inclusion of Mustafizur seemed like a strategic move. His expertise in death bowling and ability to handle pressure situations were seen as crucial for DC’s campaign.

Performance in IPL 2025: A Mixed Bag

Mustafizur played at least one match for DC after joining the squad, including a high-stakes game against Mumbai Indians on May 21. Unfortunately, his performance wasn’t up to expectations in that match. He conceded 12 runs in a single over and was hit for a six by Mumbai’s Will Jacks. Delhi Capitals lost the match by 59 runs, which also led to their elimination from the playoff race.

Despite the defeat, experts believe that Mustafizur’s presence added some stability to the team’s bowling attack. While one bad over can happen to any bowler, especially in T20s, the fact remains that Mustafizur remains a dependable name in the shorter format.

At Sportskeedaa, we continue to track his performances and will share in-depth match analyses for our readers throughout the season.

Reactions from Bangladesh and Social Media Trends

Back in Bangladesh, fans were divided over Mustafizur’s decision. Some supporters understood his choice and celebrated his IPL opportunity, while others were concerned about missing an international game. The decision also sparked online trends like #BoycottDelhiCapitals, especially among fans upset with the franchise for signing a foreign player during a national duty window.

That said, it is important to recognise that Mustafizur is not the first cricketer to face this situation. Players from various countries often balance between league tournaments and national duties, especially in a cricketing era dominated by franchise leagues like the IPL, BBL, and The Hundred.

At Sportskeedaa, we believe in highlighting both sides of the story—whether it’s the pride of representing one’s country or the career benefits of playing in a prestigious league.

The Bigger Picture: A New Era of Cricket Commitments

What Mustafizur’s case truly highlights is a larger change happening in world cricket. Franchise leagues are now playing a bigger role in shaping players’ careers. National boards are increasingly adapting to this reality by granting short-term NOCs or resting players to avoid burnout.

For young cricketers in India and abroad, Mustafizur’s journey is an example of how opportunities come with tough choices. Choosing IPL doesn’t mean turning away from your country—it can also mean gaining more experience, financial stability, and learning to perform under pressure.

At Sportskeedaa, we aim to bring balanced perspectives, keeping fans informed without the noise.

Final Thoughts

Mustafizur Rahman’s participation in IPL 2025, even at the cost of missing an international game, shows how the cricketing world is changing. While it may raise questions about priorities, it also reflects the professional demands modern cricketers face. As fans, the best we can do is support our players and celebrate their performances—whether it’s in national colours or league jerseys.

For more such updates, expert views, and all things cricket, keep following Sportskeedaa.