In a surprising turn of events, Delhi Capitals have signed Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman for INR 6 crore to bolster their squad for the final stretch of the Indian Premier League (IPL) group stage. The franchise turned to the left-arm fast bowler for the last three matches of the league phase.
However, this decision has sparked backlash from some Indian fans, with a few even calling for a boycott of Delhi Capitals matches. Social media has been abuzz with criticism from Indian supporters, unhappy with the inclusion of a Bangladeshi player amidst ongoing political tensions.
The IPL had been temporarily suspended for a week due to heightened India-Pakistan tensions. As the tournament resumes on Saturday, May 17, several foreign players have declined to return to India, prompting the BCCI to allow franchises to recruit replacement players on a temporary basis.
Under this provision, Delhi Capitals announced the signing of Mustafizur Rahman as a replacement for Australian batsman Jake Fraser-McGurk, who opted not to return. But the move has not gone down well with a section of Indian fans, who are openly criticising the franchise for their decision.
The backlash extends beyond just the team. Many fans are also upset with the BCCI for allowing a Bangladeshi player to join the league. Some are even calling for a ban on Bangladeshi cricketers in the IPL, citing recent diplomatic strains between India and Bangladesh as a reason for their discontent.
Relations between the two countries have been frosty since August of last year. An upcoming tour of Bangladesh by the Indian team, scheduled for this August, also appears uncertain due to these tensions. The diplomatic strain is beginning to spill over into the sporting world.
Meanwhile, Mustafizur’s participation in the IPL is still pending. The left-arm pacer has formally requested a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). A BCB cricket operations department source confirmed the request to Dhaka Post. The final decision on his participation now rests with the BCB. If cleared, Mustafizur is likely to join the team from the UAE.
Mustafizur won’t have many games to play even if he receives the NOC. Delhi Capitals have just three group stage matches remaining, scheduled for May 18, 21, and 24. Currently, they sit in fifth place with 13 points from 11 matches. Mumbai Indians, placed fourth, are just one point ahead but have played one more game. If Delhi qualify for the playoffs, Mustafizur could potentially feature in additional matches.
