Mustafizur's IPL Future in Jeopardy Amid Continuing Worries

Whether Mustafizur Rahman will feature in the Indian Premier League for the current year is uncertain. Recently, he was appointed as a replacement player of Delhi Capitals following Jake Fraser-McGurk's injury but had already arrived in Dubai to be with the Bangladesh team for a two-match T20 series against the UAE. This has left there some doubt regarding his IPL involvement.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board is keeping a close eye on the situation as relations between India and Pakistan have also impacted cricket schedules in the region. Both the IPL and Pakistan Super League had to be rescheduled due to these strained relations. The BCB wishes to take a cautious decision that maintains national interests while also maintaining good relations with India's and Pakistan's cricket boards.

One of the reasons why the BCB is hesitant to release Mustafizur is that it can create complicated choices regarding other players. Two other Bangladeshi players, Rishad Hossain and Nahid Rana, are members of the Bangladesh T20 side currently on a tour in the UAE and they had already played in the Pakistan Super League. If Mustafizur is permitted to play in the IPL then the BCB may also be required to release these two players for the PSL so that they do not face any complaints or criticism from the respective cricket boards.

A board official revealed that they don't oppose allowing Mustafizur to play but reminded him that the player has a country responsibility first. The official also clarified that if they allow Mustafizur to play in the IPL then they have to be uniform and allow the remaining two players who played in the PSL as well. They don't wish to end up being criticized or faulted by other boards.

There are two possibilities of Mustafizur's participation in the IPL. He can be permitted to join Delhi Capitals following the two-match series against UAE or he may be released beforehand after the first match in order to feature for Delhi during their match against Gujarat Titans on May 18. If the premature release occurs Mustafizur can feature in three group stage matches for the Capitals and even more if the team makes it to the playoffs.

If this does not materialize Mustafizur will come back to the national side and join the Capitals later if Bangladesh chooses to play their planned series against Pakistan from May 27. His three-match UAE series will conclude on May 24. So depending on circumstances he may miss some IPL games but still be with the team in time for the latter stages of the tournament.

For Delhi Capitals Mustafizur is significant since the side already possesses two left-arm quick bowlers in Mitchell Starc and T Natarajan. Mustafizur would provide strength and depth to their bowling unit. The Capitals are yet in contention for playoff position in IPL 2025. They have 13 points from 11 games and are fifth-placed just one point behind fourth-placed Mumbai Indians who have played one extra game.

Delhi Capitals' other matches are challenging as they will play Gujarat Titans Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings who are all competing for top four positions. Delhi Capitals require all their best players to be available so that they can win the games and go to the next round of the tournament.

Mustafizur received news of his IPL call-up just a few hours before it was made public. The move was taken hastily even before he could apply officially for a No Objection Certificate from the Bangladesh Cricket Board. This is how hasty and last-minute the move was.

Meanwhile the Bangladesh Cricket Board is also holding out for government advice concerning their planned tour of Pakistan. The Pakistan Cricket Board had circulated a calendar for a series but the idea was pushed back as the Pakistan Super League was postponed. Even if the tour is granted approval there are still doubts as a lot of the players and support staff have raised concerns about going to Pakistan because of security concerns.

In all, Mustafizur's involvement in the IPL rests on so many conditions like his country duties the decision of the board and the politics in the area. The Bangladesh Cricket Board desires to deal with the issue with caution so that they do not anger any cricket board or their players as well. Fans will just have to wait and watch how this issue unfolds before knowing whether Mustafizur Rahman will be watching Delhi Capitals roll out for IPL this season.