Why is Boycott Delhi Capitals trending on X? Fans slam DC for signing Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman amid Indo-Pak tensions

The Delhi Capitals (DC) are facing online backlash after naming Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman as a replacement for Australian batter Jake Fraser-McGurk, who pulled out of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 citing ¡°personal reasons.¡± In light of multiple overseas withdrawals, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) permitted teams to sign replacements, and DC made the call on Wednesday. However, the move has drawn criticism on X, with many fans expressing disappointment over the franchise¡¯s decision. Read on to find out why.

Delhi Capitals sign Mustafizur Rahman as Jake Fraser-McGurk's replacement

After a brief suspension due to heightened tensions between India and Pakistan 2025 is officially resuming on May 17. However, the mid-season break has thrown team plans into disarray, especially with several overseas players uncertain about returning. One of the teams impacted is the Akshar Patel-led Delhi Capitals, who have confirmed that explosive Australian batter Jake Fraser-McGurk will not be available for the remainder of the tournament. To fill the gap, the franchise initially named Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman as his replacement.

Mustafizur Rahman leaves for UAE after signing with Delhi Capitals

Just hours after DC announced Mustafizur as Fraser-McGurk's replacement, the pacer had to leave for the UAE to join the Bangladesh national team, reportedly due to not receiving a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Bangladesh Cricket Board. He confirmed his departure with a photo on social media, captioned: ¡°Heading to UAE to play against them. Keep me in your prayers.¡±

Heading to UAE to play against them. Keep me in your prayers. pic.twitter.com/dI7DHTfj73

¡ª Mustafizur Rahman (@Mustafiz90) May 14, 2025

Why are Delhi Capitals facing heat online?

While Rahman won¡¯t be featured in the league after all, Delhi Capitals are now facing online backlash simply for considering a Bangladeshi player during a time of heightened geopolitical sensitivity. Many fans believe that Bangladesh has shown open support for Pakistan during the ongoing tensions with India and view Delhi¡¯s move as tone-deaf and poorly judged.

The outrage has taken over social media, where the hashtag #BoycottDelhiCapitals is now trending, with one user writing, "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."

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

¡ª Abhinav (@AbhinavStarx) May 14, 2025

Another user mentioned, "How can they pick players from a country where anti-India voices are growing and open support for Pakistan exists???"

As a Delhiite, I will not support DelhiCapitals.

Shame on Delhi Capitals!

How can they pick players from a country where anti-India voices are growing and open support for Pakistan exists???#BoycottDelhiCapitals pic.twitter.com/gsKzBch5CX

¡ª Ujjawal kumar (@sonuujjawal26) May 14, 2025

A third user tweeted, "Shame on Delhi Capitals! Bangladeshis hate Indians & they openly support Pakistan and did so many things against India, but this shameless franchise signed Mustafizur Rahman, a Bangladeshi player, in IPL."

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 #BoycottDelhiCapitals pic.twitter.com/vyaz1oOzx4

¡ª Jason (@mahixcavi7) May 14, 2025

"Their continued support for players from a nation with a clear anti-India stance ¡ª including open backing of Pakistan ¡ª is deeply disappointing," a fourth user tweeted.

As a proud Delhiite, I can no longer stand by @DelhiCapitals.

Their continued support for players from a nation with a clear anti-India stance ¡ª including open backing of Pakistan ¡ª is deeply disappointing. #BoycottDelhiCapitals pic.twitter.com/4ZkQ11b4Rd

¡ª Twinkle (@notnurseryrhyme) May 14, 2025

Check out some more reactions below:

What a shameful act by @DelhiCapitals to give a place to Kangalus in their team?

Why would you allow a Bangladeshi to play in your team knowing that Delhi already facing the issues of illegal immigrants & what happened with Hindus in Bangladesh?#BoycottDelhiCapitals https://t.co/QKA6Ng1NAg

¡ª Squint Neon (@TheSquind) May 14, 2025

¡ªI hate to say this or for that matter politicize this, but has Delhi Capitals management lost it?
Why are we getting a pacer from Bangladesh, especially knowing what's the current geopolitical climate there? This is absolutely ludicrous.#BoycottDelhiCapitals pic.twitter.com/XR9aGoZ49Q

¡ª vedika (@vedikabaisa) May 14, 2025

I was supporting @DelhiCapitals from the day they signed KL Rahul and throughout the tournament but signing a player from enemy country is disgusting, i hope they never win IPL in future. They did same for Steve Smith once.#MustafizurRahman #BoycottDelhiCapitals pic.twitter.com/NUpcGCrcpV

¡ª Harsh Khatwa (@harshkhatwa) May 14, 2025

YES BOYCOTT ???
These Bangladeshi players have anti-India sentiments and support Pakistan.
Are Delhi Capitals not getting IPL players.??#BoycottDelhiCapitals pic.twitter.com/GhHPDJUm39

¡ª Nagendra pandey (@nagendr_24) May 14, 2025

Meanwhile, DC, who are still in the race of playoffs, are awaiting confirmation from key overseas players like Mitchell Starc, Faf du Plessis, and Tristan Stubbs, who are uncertain due to Test commitments.

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