Boycott Delhi Capitals trends online for its ‘anti-India move’ ahead of IPL resumption; BCCI slammed

Delhi Capitals (DC) ignited a firestorm on social media after signing Bangladesh left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman as a replacement for Australian batter Jake Fraser-McGurk ahead of IPL 2025’s resumption this week.

Fraser-McGurk, a breakout star of IPL 2024, exited due to personal reasons, prompting DC to leverage the league’s new temporary replacement rule. 

However, Rahman’s recruitment triggered the hashtag #BoycottDelhiCapitals, with fans slamming the franchise and BCCI for including a player from Bangladesh amid geopolitical tensions.

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. #BoycottDelhiCapitalspic.twitter.com/M3qMGcshWk

— Abhinav (@AbhinavStarx) May 14, 2025

Shameful move by Delhi Capitals @DelhiCapitals. While Hindus are being slaughtered in Bangladesh and others stood in solidarity, they signed Mustafizur Rahman.

Time to reject such anti-national mindset & Team #BoycottDelhiCapitalspic.twitter.com/CzCQTFOYa6

— Gaurav 🇮🇳 (@IamGMishra) May 14, 2025

Shame on Delhi Capitals ! 😡 Bangladeshi hates Indians & they openly supports Pakistan and did so many things against India, but this shameless franchise signed Mustafizur Rahman a Bangladeshi player in IPL.

DC REMOVE THIS PLAYER #BoycottDelhiCapitalspic.twitter.com/vyaz1oOzx4

— Jason (@mahixcavi7) May 14, 2025

Geopolitical Tensions Fuel Fan Fury

Netizens criticised Bangladesh’s alignment with Pakistan during the recent India-Pakistan conflict and also referenced previous disgraceful graphics, such as one depicting a decapitated MS Dhoni circulated by Bangladeshi entities.

Throwback to 2016 when Bangladeshi fans treated Ms Dhoni like a dog but BCCI allowing Bangladeshi players to play IPL. Literally shame on BCCI 🤡#BoycottDelhiCapitalspic.twitter.com/hwh4jwDzHF

— Vivek (@hailKohli18) May 14, 2025

Many argued that allowing a Bangladeshi player in the IPL is an anti-India move and it disrespects Indian sentiments, particularly given the persecution of Hindu minorities in Bangladesh. 

As a result, the BCCI, along with DC, faced intense scrutiny for approving Rahman’s inclusion, with users demanding a ban on players from ‘anti-India’ nations.

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Mustafizur Rahman’s IPL Legacy and Current Standoff

Rahman, a seasoned IPL campaigner with 61 wickets in 57 matches, previously played for DC in 2022 and 2023.

Despite his strategic value as a death-over specialist, his signing was overshadowed by his initial social media post stating he’d prioritise Bangladesh’s ODI series against UAE over the IPL.

DC later clarified he’ll join after the UAE fixtures, but the damage was done. Critics highlighted his inconsistent IPL performances, including a modest eight-wicket haul in 2022.

Delhi Capitals’ Playoff Hangs in the Balance

DC, currently fifth with 13 points from 11 matches, faces a must-win scenario in their remaining three games to secure a playoff berth. Rahman’s addition aims to bolster their pace attack, especially with Mitchell Starc’s availability being uncertain.

However, the backlash threatens to overshadow their on-field strategy, as fans vow to boycott matches and merchandise.

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BCCI’s Replacement Policy Under Scrutiny

The controversy has put the BCCI’s revised replacement rules under the microscope. While the board permitted temporary signings after IPL’s mid-season suspension (due to India-Pakistan tensions), critics argue geopolitical sensitivities should influence player eligibility.

As IPL 2025 resumes on May 17, Delhi Capitals must navigate both sporting and reputational challenges, calling for a calculated move ahead.