By Chirag - May 15, 2025 01:07 PM
The Delhi Capitals (DC) are under fire following their decision to name Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman as a replacement for Australian batter Jake Fraser-McGurk, who withdrew from IPL 2025 citing personal reasons. While the move was within BCCI guidelines allowing mid-season replacements, it has triggered a storm of criticism online.
The IPL 2025 season will start on May 17 following a temporary break brought on by increased geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan. However, the break has disrupted team compositions, with several overseas players uncertain about returning. One of the affected franchises is Delhi Capitals, led by Akshar Patel.
DC named Mustafizur Rahman as Fraser-McGurk's replacement in order to handle his departure. The decision was made in line with the BCCI’s approval to allow overseas substitutes in light of the disruptions.
However, the move raised questions from fans and analysts alike — not just due to the replacement of a batter with a bowler, but more significantly, because of the nationality of the replacement.
The situation became even more complex when Mustafizur had to leave for the UAE just hours after being named in the DC squad. The reason: he reportedly did not receive a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to participate in the remainder of the IPL.
He later posted on social media:
“Heading to UAE to play against them. Keep me in your prayers.”
Heading to UAE to play against them. Keep me in your prayers. pic.twitter.com/dI7DHTfj73
— Mustafizur Rahman (@Mustafiz90) May 14, 2025
This meant that Mustafizur never even got the chance to don the Delhi Capitals jersey this season.
Despite the pacer’s departure, Delhi Capitals are facing online backlash for even considering a Bangladeshi player amid rising geopolitical sensitivity. Many fans allege that Bangladesh has shown support for Pakistan during the ongoing regional tensions, and thus view DC’s decision as tone-deaf and insensitive.
The criticism quickly escalated on social media, with the hashtag #BoycottDelhiCapitals trending across platforms.
One user wrote:
As a Delhiite, I can no longer support @DelhiCapitals. The franchise's support for players from a country known for its anti-India stance, including backing Pakistan, is unacceptable to me. #BoycottDelhiCapitals pic.twitter.com/M3qMGcshWk
— Abhinav (@AbhinavStarx) May 14, 2025
The franchise now finds itself in the middle of an unintended political controversy, with questions raised about the management’s awareness and judgment. While Mustafizur’s brief involvement has ended, the damage to the team’s image among sections of the fanbase could have long-term consequences.
As the IPL resumes, DC must not only rebuild their playing XI but also work on rebuilding trust with their supporters.
Also Read: BCCI New Rule for IPL 2025: Who Can Be Retained Under New Rule?
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