Delhi Capitals (DC) got their major boost with the news that Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman will join their camp for the rest of the league matches of the IPL 2025 season, after May 17, when the tournament was resumed from a week-long break because of the India-Pakistan tensions. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has issued Rahman a No Objection Certificate (NOC) valid until May 24, where he can play DC's last three league matches, as reported by Cricbuzz on May 16, 2025. Rahman, obtaining a local No Objection Certificate (NOC) and replacing Jake Fraser-McGurk due to personal reasons, is scheduled to travel to India following the 1st T20I between UAE and Bangladesh on May 17.

Rahman's signing is timely for DC, who are in 5th place on the points table with 13 points from 11 games and will require performances of strength if they are to earn a place in the playoffs. The 29-year-old left-arm pacer, who was signed for INR 6 crore, possesses loads of experience with 61 wickets from 57 IPL games, including an impressive 2024 IPL season for Chennai Super Kings with 14 wickets from nine outings. Though his services during the league phase are limited, as he is scheduled to fly out with Bangladesh to play a five-match T20I series against Pakistan from May 25, which coincides with the playoffs of the IPL.

Even as his arrival has been confirmed, DC has had to battle overseas player unavailability, with Mitchell Starc also choosing to skip in order to get ready for the World Test Championship final. Rahman's comeback, though, has generated mixed opinions, as some social media users, with the #BoycottDelhiCapitals hashtag, lambasted the franchise for signing a Bangladeshi player during times of geopolitical tensions. However, DC's administration, headed by Captain Axar Patel, will hope Rahman can add strength to their bowling unit.

Rahman's Influence on DC's Playoff Charge

Mustafizur Rahman's capacity to perform in all stages of an innings, especially with his cutters and variations, renders him a valuable addition to DC when they play the Mumbai Indians on May 21 at Wankhede Stadium. His earlier stay with DC from 2022 to 2023, in which he picked 18 wickets in 16 games, brings familiarity to his position in the team.

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But DC will have to prepare for the playoffs in the absence of Rahman since his NOC is ending on May 24, ahead of Qualifier 1 on May 30. With other overseas players such as Tristan Stubbs potentially leaving early too, DC will have to use Rahman's presence to the fullest in the league stage to gain a top-four spot in the rearranged IPL 2025 season that ends on June 3.