Mustafizur set to play in UAE, confirms BCB CEO Nizamuddin Chowdhury
BCB CEO says no clearance yet for Mustafizur’s IPL stint due to national duty
Mustafizur’s IPL Return Uncertain Amid Bangladesh’s UAE Tour Commitments, Says BCB CEO
New Delhi [India], May 14: The Delhi Capitals’ recent announcement of Mustafizur Rahman as a replacement player for the remainder of IPL 2025 has been cast into uncertainty. Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) CEO Nizamuddin Chowdhury clarified that the left-arm pacer is expected to travel with the national squad to the UAE, raising doubts over his availability for the IPL franchise.
According to a report by ESPNcricinfo, Chowdhury stated, “Mustafizur is supposed to go with the team to the UAE according to the schedule. We have not received any communication from the IPL authorities, nor has Mustafizur officially informed us of any changes.”
The confusion arises as Delhi Capitals named Mustafizur as the replacement for Australian batter Jake Fraser-McGurk, who will miss the rest of the season. However, Bangladesh is scheduled to tour the UAE for two T20 Internationals on May 17 and 19, clashing directly with Delhi’s IPL fixtures on May 18, 21, and 24. Should DC qualify, Mustafizur’s participation would further overlap with the IPL playoffs.
Mustafizur will have little time to accomplish his IPL obligations without jeopardizing his national responsibilities as Bangladesh will go to Pakistan for a five-match Twenty20 International series starting on May 25.
With a 2016 debut and 2022 and 2023 stints for Delhi, the 29-year-old pacer is no stranger to the IPL. He had a fantastic 2022 season, taking eight wickets at an economy of 7.62 in as many games. However, he only participated in two games in 2023.
Mustafizur has participated in 38 IPL games and claimed 38 wickets at a solid economy rate of 7.84. He is well-known for his deft variations and death-over prowess. He has also made a big impact in international T20 cricket, with 132 wickets in 106 games for Bangladesh. His total in both domestic and international T20 leagues is an outstanding 351 wickets from 281 games.
It is now unclear if Mustafizur will be able to manage his participation in the IPL and his national obligations until the BCB, the player, and the IPL organizers have formally communicated.
