BCB grants Shakib, Mustafizur clearance for franchise league

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has granted no-objection certificates (NOCs) to Mustafizur Rahman and Shakib Al Hasan, allowing them to participate in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and Pakistan Super League (PSL), respectively.

According to the BCB's Cricket Operations Department, Mustafizur applied for clearance to represent the Delhi Capitals in the remaining matches of the IPL, while Shakib requested approval to join the Lahore Qalandars in the PSL. BCB officials confirmed that both applications were met with a positive response.

BCB Director and Media Committee Chairman Iftekhar Rahman Mithu confirmed that the Delhi Capitals had contacted the board regarding Mustafizur’s availability for three IPL matches scheduled on May 18, 21, and 24. However, the left-arm pacer will be unavailable for all of them as he is currently in the United Arab Emirates with the national team for a two-match T20 series against the UAE on May 17 and 19.

"Mustafiz will be available for Delhi Capitals after the series concludes," Mithu said.

The IPL resumed on May 17 after being temporarily suspended on May 9 due to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. With several foreign players opting out, Delhi Capitals included Mustafizur as a replacement for Fraser McGurk.

Meanwhile, Shakib, though not currently under a BCB central contract, also requires clearance from the board to participate in foreign franchise leagues. The BCB has no objection to his participation in the PSL and is expected to issue the NOC without delay.