Mustafizur Rahman got NOC to participate in IPL 2025, but still BCB gave a shock to DC

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has granted left-arm fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman permission to play for Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. However, this approval comes with a time limit — he has been given a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to participate in the tournament only between May 18 and May 24. This means Mustafizur will be available for just one week, and he will miss any playoff matches if Delhi Capitals qualify for the next stage.

The IPL, which had been postponed for a week due to rising political tensions between India and Pakistan, is now all set to resume on May 17. The temporary suspension disrupted many team plans, and several foreign players returned to their home countries during the break. In this situation, Delhi Capitals acted quickly and included Mustafizur Rahman as a replacement for their previous overseas player, Jack Fraser-McGurk. The BCB has now officially given the go-ahead for Mustafizur to join Delhi Capitals for a short window.

The decision to allow Mustafizur only a week in the IPL is due to Bangladesh’s international commitments. Bangladesh is scheduled to play a two-match T20 series against the UAE in Sharjah. The first T20 match is set to take place on May 17, and Mustafizur will be part of the Bangladesh squad for that game. After completing his national duty in the first match, he will fly to India to join the Delhi Capitals. The second T20 against UAE will happen on May 19, but Mustafizur will miss that match due to his IPL commitment.

Following the UAE series, the Bangladesh team will head to Pakistan for a crucial five-match T20 series beginning on May 25. This is part of Bangladesh's preparation ahead of the T20 World Cup, and the BCB is keen on having all key players available for that series. That is why Mustafizur’s participation in the IPL has been strictly limited.

Meanwhile, Delhi Capitals are currently fighting hard for a place in the playoffs. They have earned 13 points from 11 matches and are placed fifth in the points table. They still have three important league matches remaining — against Gujarat Titans on May 18, Mumbai Indians on May 21, and Punjab Kings on May 24. These matches are crucial, and Delhi needs to win all three to boost their chances of making it to the playoffs.

Mustafizur’s presence in these matches could be a major boost for Delhi Capitals. Known for his clever variations and experience in high-pressure situations, Mustafizur has consistently performed well in the IPL over the years. His ability to bowl in the death overs and take key wickets can make a big difference for the Delhi team in these crucial games.

Replacing explosive opener Jack Fraser-McGurk, Mustafizur brings a different skill set to the team. While Jack provided aggressive starts with the bat, Mustafizur adds strength to the bowling attack. His experience in various T20 leagues and international matches will be valuable for Delhi Capitals, especially as they face must-win situations in their final games.

In summary, while the BCB has allowed Mustafizur Rahman to return to the IPL, it’s only for a limited time due to national duties. His short but potentially impactful stint with Delhi Capitals could play a key role in the team’s final push for a playoff spot. Fans and team management alike will be hoping that Mustafizur makes the most of his week-long availability.