Delhi Capitals' replacement player Mustafizur Rahman heads to UAE for T20I series, set to miss GT clash even if he gets NOC from BCB

Delhi Capitals (DC) on May 14 announced Bangladesh's left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman as repalcement for Australian opener Jake Fraser-McGurk for the remainder of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. Mustafizur became the costliest replacement player this season at Rs 6 crore. However, it is not clear whether he will link up with Axar Patel's DC ahead of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025's resumption even if Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) gives him No Objection Certificate (NOC). On May 14 evening, Mustafizur headed to UAE for two-T20I series and is set to miss DC's clash against Gujarat Titans (GT) on May 18.

The two T20Is between Bangladesh and UAE are scheduled to be played on May 17 and 19 at Sharjah Cricket Stadium. If Mustafizur gets the NOC, he will join DC camp just before their match against Hardik Pandya's Mumbai Indians (MI) on May 21 at Wankhede Stadium.

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Earlier, hours after Mustafizur was signed by DC, BCB CEO Nizamuddin Chowdhury said there has been no communication between the board and the IPL officials regarding the matter.

“Mustafizur is supposed to go with the team to the UAE according to the schedule. We have not received any communication from IPL officials. I have also not received any such official communication from Mustafizur either,” Chowdhury told ESPNcricinfo.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is yet to give an official statement on the issue.

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DC's depleted stocks

Ahead of IPL 2025's resumption, DC's fast-bowling attack is depleted. Australia's left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc's manager had said that he may not return for the remainder of the IPL 2025 after the series of events that unfolded in Dharamsala when the match between DC and Punjab Kings (PBKS) was cancelled due to attempts of air raids in neighbouring cities by Pakistan Air Force.

If Starc doesn't return and Mustafizur doesn't get clearance, DC will rely on Indian pacers. In the cancelled game against PBKS, left-arm pacer T Natarajan got the solitary wicket in just seven balls he bowled. Meanwhile, Sri Lankan pacer Dushmantha Chameera has been expensive. Apart from Mukesh Kumar, the only other fast-bowling option is Mohit Sharma. Madhav Tiwari made his debut against PBKS but he is yet to impress.

DC are currently placed fifth on the points table with six wins from 11 games and 13 points. They need to win at least two games out of the remaining three to have a chance of qualifying for the playoffs.