ILT20 2025-26: Mustafizur Rahman joins Dubai Capitals squad

Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman is set to make his debut in the International League T20 (ILT20) after signing with the reigning champions, Dubai Capitals. The franchise confirmed the signing on Tuesday, August 12, via social media, announcing that the left-arm fast bowler will replace England pacer Luke Wood in their squad. This will be a maiden experience for the Bangladeshi star cricketer at the UAE-based tournament.

The 29-year-old is a familiar face in franchise cricket, having featured in major leagues such as the Indian Premier League (IPL), Lanka Premier League (LPL), Pakistan Super League (PSL), and England’s Vitality Blast. The ILT20, organized by the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB), is scheduled to hold its fourth edition from December 2 to January 4, with six teams competing.

However, the ILT20 dates clash with the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) season, raising questions over whether the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) will grant Mustafizur the No Objection Certificate (NOC) to participate.

Dubai Capitals have also strengthened their squad with all-rounders Gulbadin Naib and Dasun Shanaka, pacer Dushmantha Chameera, and key West Indies internationals like Rovman Powell and Shai Hope. Mustafizur boasts an impressive T20 record, having taken 362 wickets in 289 matches at an average of 21.49 and an economy rate of 7.45. His tally includes six four-wicket hauls and four five-wicket hauls.

Earlier in IPL 2025, Mustafizur was acquired by Delhi Capitals for INR 6 crores as a replacement for Jake Fraser-McGurk. He played three matches, taking four wickets, including a best performance of 3/33. This ILT20 signing marks Mustafizur’s sixth appearance in overseas franchise leagues, having previously played for IPL teams Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings, Rajasthan Royals, and Delhi Capitals.

The upcoming IPL auction is expected to be a mini-auction, with most teams retaining their core players. However, due to updated replacement rules, Delhi Capitals will not be able to retain Mustafizur and will have to bid for him again if they wish to keep him.