In a major boost for Delhi Capitals (DC), Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman has been granted a No Objection Certificate (NOC) by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to feature in the remaining three league matches of IPL 2025. The 18th edition of the IPL will resume after a brief suspension due to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. DC have found a replacement for Mitchell Starc in Mustafizur Rahman.
The NOC allows Mustafizur to play from 18 to 24 May. However, he will not be available for the IPL 2025 playoffs. Before joining the franchise, the left-arm pacer will represent Bangladesh in the first T20I against the UAE on 17 May.
The process of obtaining the NOC was not smooth, as initial confusion surrounded his availability. Despite official IPL announcements confirming his signing, the BCB questioned the terms of the contract. External pressure, possibly arising from diplomatic tensions between India and Bangladesh, further complicated negotiations before clearance was granted.
Meanwhile, DC suffered a setback as Australian pacer Mitchell Starc withdrew from the remainder of the tournament to prepare for the World Test Championship (WTC) final against South Africa in June. South African wicketkeeper-batter Tristan Stubbs and Faf du Plessis will be available for the rest of the league stage. However, Stubbs, who is also part of the WTC final squad, will leave for England once the league stage ends.
DC will also be without Donovan Ferreira, who played just one match. As Delhi aim for a playoff spot, Mustafizur Rahman’s arrival brings both experience and firepower to DC’s bowling attack.
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