This is the highest salary ever received by a Bangladeshi cricketer in the IPL.
Mustafizur Rahman is scheduled to leave Dhaka on Wednesday evening for the T20 series in the UAE. But before his departure, a major development has been confirmed — he has been signed by Delhi Capitals for the remainder of the IPL season.
The IPL authorities announced the news in an official press release on Wednesday, and Delhi Capitals also welcomed the left-arm pacer on their social media channels. Mustafizur has been brought in as a replacement for Jake Fraser-McGurk.
Fraser-McGurk, who had returned home after the IPL was postponed, will not be rejoining the team in India. The young Australian batter had been retained by Delhi for ₹9 crore. Mustafizur, whose base price was ₹2 crore in this year’s auction, initially went unsold. Now, Delhi has picked him up for ₹6 crore.
This marks a record not just for Mustafizur, but for any Bangladeshi cricketer in IPL history. In 2009, Mashrafe Bin Mortaza was signed by Kolkata Knight Riders for $600,000. Adjusted for today’s market, that amount is still significantly less than Mustafizur’s current contract.
However, there is uncertainty over whether Mustafizur will be able to participate in the IPL this season.
Bangladesh is set to play two T20 matches against the UAE in Sharjah on Saturday and Monday. According to the current schedule, a tour to Pakistan will follow — and Mustafizur is part of both squads. The Pakistan tour, however, is still under discussion. If it doesn’t take place, there will be no obstacles to his IPL participation. But if the tour proceeds, things could get complicated for the pace bowler.
BCB CEO Nizamuddin Chowdhury said the board has no official knowledge about Mustafizur’s IPL participation and that no No Objection Certificate (NOC) has been requested yet.
If Mustafizur does get the green light to play, this will be his third stint with Delhi Capitals. He previously played for the franchise in the 2022 and 2023 seasons, taking 9 wickets in 10 matches across both years. In the following season, he joined Chennai Super Kings and picked up 14 wickets in 9 matches for the five-time IPL champions.
Mustafizur made his IPL debut in 2016 with Sunrisers Hyderabad, delivering standout performances that earned him the Emerging Player award — still the only overseas cricketer to win it. He has also played for Rajasthan Royals and Mumbai Indians over the years.
Before the IPL was paused due to the India-Pakistan conflict, Delhi Capitals were in fifth place on the points table with 13 points from 11 matches. With just three matches left, every game is now crucial in their push for a playoff spot.
