Mustafizur to play two matches for Delhi Capitals with BCB’s nod
Mustafizur Rahman has received clearance from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to play in the IPL during periods when he’s not on national duty. This means he will be available for at least two of Delhi Capitals’ remaining league matches.
Earlier, there was uncertainty around his IPL participation. On Wednesday, Delhi Capitals announced Mustafizur’s signing on their website and social media, which came as a surprise to the BCB. Chief Executive Nizam Uddin Chowdhury said the board had not been informed by either the player or the franchise.
Mustafizur flew out Wednesday evening for Bangladesh’s two-match T20I series against the UAE, raising doubts about his availability for the IPL. However, Delhi has since initiated official procedures with the BCB, and now the board is ready to issue a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for his free days.
“Our thinking is simple — he can play in the IPL during times outside national duty,” said BCB director and media committee chairman Iftekhar Ahmed Mithu to bdnews24.com on Thursday.
“Our top priority is the national team. If he wasn’t in the squad, we’d have no issue with him playing. Right now, he’s with the team, and he’ll play for the national side. If there are no matches during that time, we have no objection to him joining the IPL.”
Delhi Capitals have three league games remaining — on May 18 (vs Gujarat Titans), May 21 (vs Mumbai Indians), and May 24 (vs Punjab Kings). Since Bangladesh’s UAE matches are on May 17 and 19, Mustafizur will miss the first but will be available for the next two.
Delhi is currently fifth on the points table. If they qualify for the playoffs, Mustafizur’s availability could again be uncertain, as Bangladesh is scheduled to tour Pakistan immediately after the UAE series.
Though there was initial uncertainty due to the India-Pakistan conflict, the Bangladesh government has now given the green signal for the Pakistan tour. The BCB will consult players before finalizing the squad, and no one will be forced to go.
“Security is always a sensitive matter,” said Iftekhar. “Only those willing to go will be selected.”
If Mustafizur opts out of the Pakistan tour, and Delhi reaches the playoffs, he could play more matches in the IPL.
Delhi has signed Mustafizur as a replacement for Australian batter Jake Fraser-McGurk, who returned home after the IPL was suspended. Though Mustafizur went unsold at the auction with a base price of ₹2 crore, Delhi signed him as a replacement for ₹6 crore — the highest-ever IPL contract for a Bangladeshi cricketer.
However, Mustafizur won’t earn the full amount. As per IPL rules, a replacement player is paid proportionally based on the number of matches available. He’ll receive payment per match along with the standard match fee if he plays.
Mustafizur has previously played two IPL seasons for Delhi Capitals.
