Delhi Capitals face another twist with Mustafizur Rahman, Mitchell Starc chooses country over IPL

Delhi Capitals face another twist with Mustafizur Rahman

Mustafiur Rahman has received the green signal to take part in IPL 2025, which resumes from May 17 (Saturday). The Bangladesh bowler, who has joined Delhi Capitals (DC) as a replacement for Australian opener Jake Fraser-McGurk, was "granted" the no-objection certificate by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to join the franchise. However, the grant is only for "the period from 18-24 May 2025" as stated in an official statement from the cricket board. This makes him unavailable for the playoffs if DC qualify for the same.

The BCB also confirmed that the pacer will be available for Bangladesh's first T20I against UAE, which will be played in Sharjah on Saturday, following which he'll fly to India. This also leaves a doubt on Rahman's participation in the Delhi's match against Gujarat Titans, which is scheduled for May 18 (Sunday).

Mustafizur's participation in the league were under dark clouds when BCB confirmed they were yet to be approached for a no-objection certificate.

Meanwhile, Mitchell Starc confirmed that he will not continue further participation in the league, which certainly comes as a massive jolt for DC. Starc is DC's highest wicket-taker so far in the season and has accounted for 14 scalps in 11 matches. Donovan Ferreira, who played one game this season, is another overseas player, who will not return.

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Meanwhile, Faf du Plessis and Tristan Stubbs will be taking part, but Stubbs will only be available till the league stage. Both Starc and Stubbs will return for national duties and will be seen in opposite camps as Australia defend the World Test Championship (WTC) mace against South Africa at Lord's in June.

Delhi are currently fifth on the points table, very much in contention to qualify for the playoffs. They have three league matches left, out of which one is the abandoned encounter against Punjab Kings. The match will now be played in Jaipur.