Delhi Capitals (DC) have roped in Bangladesh left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman for the remainder of IPL 2025, replacing Australian Jake Fraser-McGurk.
The move comes as DC navigates uncertainties over key overseas players like Mitchell Starc and Faf du Plessis. Follow BRG365 for updates.
Strategic Replacement
Delhi Capitals confirmed Mustafizur Rahman’s signing on Wednesday, with the Bangladesh international joining for ₹6 crore to fill the void left by Fraser-McGurk’s sudden departure.
The 29-year-old, who previously played for DC in 2022 and 2023, returns after a season with Chennai Super Kings (CSK), where he took 4 wickets in 9 matches.
His IPL career boasts 61 wickets in 57 matches at an economy rate of 8.14, including a memorable spell of 4/29 for CSK last year.
Fraser-McGurk, bought for ₹9 crore in the 2025 auction, struggled with just 55 runs in six matches before being benched.
The Australian cited personal reasons for his exit, becoming the second overseas player to withdraw from the tournament after CSK’s Jamie Overton.
Long-Term Implications
The signing aligns with revised IPL regulations allowing temporary replacements for players unavailable due to personal or national commitments.
However, Mustafizur will not be eligible for retention by DC in 2026, as the league tightened rules to prevent teams from circumventing auctions.
This marks a tactical shift for DC, who previously retained players like Axar Patel but now face roster instability.
Mustafizur’s T20 Prowess
Mustafizur’s return brings stability to DC’s bowling attack, particularly with Mitchell Starc’s availability in doubt.
The Bangladesh speedster, nicknamed “The Fizz,” has taken 351 T20 wickets across leagues, including 13 for Dhaka Capital in BPL 2025.
His ability to swing the ball and bowl yorkers in death overs could prove vital for DC’s playoff push.
“Mustafizur’s experience in IPL conditions is invaluable,” said a DC official. “He knows the pitches and has a proven track record of delivering under pressure.”
DC’s Overseas Player Crisis
DC’s Overseas Player(BRG365)
Beyond Fraser-McGurk, DC faces uncertainty over three key overseas stars. Mitchell Starc, named in Australia’s WTC final squad, is unlikely to return, while Faf du Plessis and Tristan Stubbs await clearance from Cricket South Africa (CSA).
CSA has mandated players return by May 26 for WTC preparation, conflicting with IPL’s rescheduled final on June 3.
The absences could weaken DC’s batting depth, with Stubbs’ power-hitting and du Plessis’ leadership pivotal to their campaign.
However, Mustafizur’s arrival shores up the bowling unit, which has conceded 8.5+ runs per over this season.
IPL 2025 Resumption and DC’s Path
With the IPL set to restart on May 17, DC will need Mustafizur’s immediate impact.
The team sits fifth in the standings, just two points behind playoff spots.
Their remaining fixtures include clashes against Gujarat Titans and Mumbai Indians, where Mustafizur’s ability to contain explosive batters like Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav will be crucial.
“Our focus is on stabilizing the team,” added the DC official. “Mustafizur’s role extends beyond his bowling—he brings calmness in high-pressure situations.
As DC battles to secure a playoff berth, Mustafizur Rahman’s return injects much-needed experience into a squad grappling with roster instability.
His ability to deliver under pressure could be the difference between a semifinal push and an early exit.
Also Read: IPL 2025 Schedule Resumes: 17 Matches Set for Six Venues, Final on June 3
