Mustafizur stays unfaze amid his IPL omission, Bangladesh–India issue

While debate continues off the field over the Bangladesh–India issue and his IPL omission, Mustafizur Rahman remains unfazed on it. The left-arm pacer played a decisive role in Rangpur Riders’ five-run win over Dhaka Capitals in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) on Sunday (January 4).

Once he steps onto the field, the left-arm pacer leaves all controversy behind. Mixing cutters, slower balls, bouncers and yorkers with precision, Mustafizur stays focused on his craft, seemingly untouched by the noise off the field.

Although, Mahmudullah earning the Player of the Match award for his half-century. Yet it was Mustafizur who came close to being the decisive figure, effectively pulling the match away from Dhaka in the closing stages.

Dhaka needed 25 runs from the last 18 balls with seven wickets in hand—normally a manageable equation in T20 cricket. But with Mustafizur in operation, the dynamics changed. In the 18th over, he conceded just two runs and dismissed the dangerous Shamim Hossain. Although Rangpur conceded 13 runs in the next over through Akif Javed, Dhaka were left needing 10 off the final over.

Unbeaten Mohammad Mithun and the aggressive Sabbir Rahman failed to find the big shots at the death. Bowling with immaculate control, Mustafizur allowed only four singles and delivered two dot balls in the final over. He gave away just six runs across the last two overs, bringing Dhaka’s chase to a halt.

Rangpur captain Nurul Hasan Sohan looked visibly frustrated after conceding a six off the final ball of the 19th over. But once the match ended, his expression turned into a broad smile as he heaped praise on Mustafizur.

“Mustafizur is a world-class bowler—he has been proving that for a long time,” Sohan said. “There’s nothing new to say about him. He always impresses.”

Recently, however, Mustafizur suffered a setback after being left out of the Indian Premier League. The pacer, who once became Bangladesh’s most expensive IPL signing at INR 9.2 crore and earned a spot with the hugely popular Kolkata Knight Riders, had been in good form. Understandably, the omission was a disappointment.

Still, Mustafizur is known for keeping his emotions in check, rarely showing either excitement or frustration. According to Sohan, that has not changed this time either.

“Of course there can be disappointment, because he deserves it—he has deserved even more in the past,” Sohan said. “But I think he’s fine. He’s still pretty relaxed.”

The IPL issue has triggered intense debate on social media and even drawn international attention. While such controversy could have affected both Mustafizur and the Rangpur camp, the on-field picture tells a different story.

“I don’t really follow social media much, and I don’t know everything that’s happening outside,” Sohan added. “There has been some discussion within the team. He might feel bad, but Mustafizur always wants to give his best for Bangladesh. From what I see, he’s completely focused.”