Australia batter Jake Fraser-McGurk has officially withdrawn from IPL 2025, becoming the second overseas player to do so after Jamie Overton of Chennai Super Kings. Fraser-McGurk, who was signed by Delhi Capitals (DC) for a hefty INR 9 crore (approx. USD 1.07 million) at the mega auction, has informed the franchise that he will not return for the remainder of the tournament, which resumes on May 17 following a week-long suspension.
In response, the IPL has approved Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman as Fraser-McGurk’s replacement at INR 6 crore. Mustafizur is a familiar face at DC, having represented the franchise in IPL 2022 and 2023, during which he picked up a total of nine wickets. However, per updated IPL replacement rules, Mustafizur will not be eligible for retention by DC ahead of IPL 2026, as replacement players signed under these temporary circumstances are excluded from the retention pool.
The IPL’s rule adjustment comes in light of this season’s exceptional circumstances, allowing franchises to sign replacements even beyond the earlier cap of the 12th match, provided the withdrawals are not due to injury or illness. This was deemed necessary after the suspension of the league, which caused scheduling conflicts and uncertainty around player availability.
However, Mustafizur’s availability is still in question, as the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has said it has not yet been approached for an NOC (No Objection Certificate). Mustafizur is currently traveling with the Bangladesh national team for two T20I series, one of which is in Pakistan, both of which overlap with the remaining IPL schedule.
Fraser-McGurk's exit comes after a string of poor performances that saw him score just 55 runs in six innings, with a top score of 38 and five single-digit dismissals. Initially a key figure at the top of DC’s order, his form slump led to him being benched midway through the season, making him expendable in a squad still battling for playoff qualification.
Compounding DC’s challenges, the franchise is still awaiting updates on several key overseas players, including Mitchell Starc, and South Africans Faf du Plessis and Tristan Stubbs. Stubbs is part of South Africa’s World Test Championship final squad, with the CSA insisting that players selected for the WTC final must honor their original NOCs, which expire on May 25—the previously scheduled IPL final date.
These setbacks present a complex challenge for DC’s campaign, as they navigate not only player form and availability but also shifting regulations and international obligations in a condensed and rescheduled IPL season.