Delhi Capitals have moved swiftly to add Mustafizur Rahman to their ranks for the remainder of the IPL 2025. The Bangladesh pacer replaces Jake Fraser-McGurk, who will not return to India following the one-week suspension. Rahman’s addition could be seen as a cover for Mitchell Starc. The Australian ace is reportedly unsure of returning to the tournament.
Mustafizur Rahman replaces Jake Fraser-McGurk for IPL 2025
Mustafizur Rahman went unsold in the IPL 2025 auction but returns after Jake Fraser-McGurk opted against returning for the revised IPL 2025 schedule. The Australian opener was reportedly shaken after the events in Dharamsala. He has since opted to stay put in Australia rather than come back to Delhi. The Delhi Capitals saw their game against the Punjab Kings halted midway amid the India-Pakistan escalations. The players were quietly evacuated and made a 10-hour journey via bus and train to Delhi.
The Axar Patel-led outfit moved to sign Mustafizur when doubts remain on Mitchell Starc’s participation as well. Reports suggested that the Australian was unsure following what unfolded in Dharamsala. Furthermore, Australia are set to play the WTC Final on June 11. Should DC reach the IPL playoffs, he would miss the those games.
Mustafizur Rahman is back in
after two years!
He replaces Jake Fraser-McGurk who is unavailable for the rest of the season. pic.twitter.com/gwJ1KHyTCH
— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) May 14, 2025
IPL rule change allows for replacement
Rahman is no stranger to DC, having previously spent a couple of seasons with the franchise. The left-armer joins DC for a whopping 6 crore. Mustafizur Rahman has so far played 57 IPL matches and has 61 wickets against his name. He has played 106 T20Is for Bangladesh, picking up 132 wickets from the same.
As per the new replacement rules, however, Capitals will not be able to retain him ahead of IPL 2026. The original rules meant no teams could sign replacements after 12 league matches. However, in light of current events, the IPL GC amended the same just for this season.
“Given the non-availability of certain foreign players due to national commitments or personal reasons or any injury or illness, Temporary Replacement Players will be allowed until the conclusion of this tournament. This decision is subject to the condition that the Temporary Replacement players taken from this point forward will not be eligible for retention in the following year. Temporary Replacement players will have to register for the IPL Player Auction 2026,” a memo sent to all IPL teams said.
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