As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is set to restart its second half on May 17 after a week-long hiatus following India-Pakistan tensions, Delhi Capitals (DC) has been at the eye of a social media storm. The team's hiring of Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman as a replacement for Jake Fraser-McGurk, who is not available for the rest of the season, has invited widespread outrage. The decision, announced on May 14, 2025, has precipitated the #BoycottDelhiCapitals hashtag trend on all platforms, with followers airing their opposition to the action.

The reason for the backlash lies in geopolitical hostilities between Bangladesh and India, with some followers declaring perceived abuses of Hindus by Bangladesh and perceived anti-India leanings on the part of the nation as their justification. One X user, presenting herself as a Delhiite, remarked, "I can no longer support @DelhiCapitals." The franchise taking support of the players of a nation infamous for its anti-India policy, such as supporting Pakistan, is not acceptable to me." This has sparked demands for boycotting, with supporters calling on the IPL authorities to step in and DC to withdraw their decision, particularly in the current political environment.

DC's action is in accordance with a new IPL regulation of temporary substitutes for missing players, a requirement after a number of overseas players departed during the suspension. Fraser-McGurk's departure led DC to sign Rahman, who had played for the franchise in 2022 and 2023. The timing of the action has, however, attracted criticism, with fans calling it "insensitive" in light of strained India-Bangladesh relations, further complicated by Bangladesh's political landscape after Sheikh Hasina's rule.

Mustafizur's IPL Credentials During Controversy

Irrespective of the controversy, the cricketing credentials of Rahman cannot be denied. The 29-year-old left-arm fast bowler has a strong IPL record, having bowled 14 wickets in 9 matches for Chennai Super Kings in 2024, with an economy of 8.34. His experience and development of 48 wickets at 48 IPL matches should help DC’s bowling attack, especially since there is a question on whether or not they have Mitchell Starc in the mix for match availabilities.

As a Delhiite, I can no longer support @DelhiCapitals. The franchise's support for players from a country known for its anti-India stance, including backing Pakistan, is unacceptable to me. #BoycottDelhiCapitals pic.twitter.com/M3qMGcshWk

— Abhinav (@AbhinavStarx) May 14, 2025

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Delhi Capitals are currently sitting 5th on the points table with 13 points from 11 matches and have yet to respond to the call for boycott. The franchise seems to be focused on Rahman’s gamesmanship as they chase down a playoff bid with their next match scheduled against Mumbai Indians on May 21 at Wankhede Stadium. Yet the story continues to twist as executives make cricketing decisions against potential geopolitical sensitivities.