Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Mustafizur Rahman

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Mustafizur Rahman made an impact.

Mustafizur Rahman is a Bangladeshi international cricketer, born on September 6, 1995. He is a left-arm fast-medium bowler known globally for his effective 'slower cutters.' His career began gaining momentum during the 2015 Bangladesh Premier League, where his unique bowling style, particularly his accurate cutters and slower deliveries, earned him the nickname "The Fizz" and quickly elevated him to international recognition.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2012: Trials for fast-bowlers camp in Dhaka

In 2012, Mustafizur Rahman traveled to Dhaka to try out for a fast-bowlers camp, after being scouted in an Under-17 tournament. He was then admitted to the Bangladesh Cricket Board's foundation of fast bowling.

2014: Start of First-class and List-A Cricket

In 2014, Mustafizur Rahman started both his First-class cricket, representing Khulna Division, and List-A cricket, representing Abahani Limited. He was also picked for Bangladesh A's tour of the West Indies.

2014: Selected for Under-19 Cricket World Cup

In 2014, Mustafizur Rahman was selected for the Bangladesh Under-19 side for the Under-19 Cricket World Cup in the UAE, where he took eight wickets.

April 2015: International Career Begins

In April 2015, Mustafizur Rahman began his international career in a twenty overs match against Pakistan. He took the wickets of Shahid Afridi and Mohammad Hafeez.

June 2015: Discovery of Off Cutter Technique

In June 2015, Mustafizur Rahman mentioned at a press conference that he discovered the off cutter technique after Anamul Haque suggested he bowl a slower delivery. His slower balls are difficult to read, according to Maninder Singh.

June 2015: Series against India

In June 2015, Mustafizur Rahman played his first match of the series against India, taking a five-wicket haul. He became the tenth bowler in ODI history to achieve this on debut. In the second ODI, Mustafizur took six wickets, setting a record for most wickets after two ODIs, surpassing Brian Vitori. He completed the last ODI with 2 wickets and made history by taking 13 wickets in a three-match ODI series.

2015: Debut for Bangladesh National Team

In 2015, Mustafizur Rahman made his debut for the Bangladesh national team, showcasing his skills in limited-overs formats. During his debut series against India in 2015, he claimed 11 wickets in his first two ODI matches, leading Bangladesh to a historic series victory.

2015: Breakthrough in Bangladesh Premier League

In 2015, Mustafizur Rahman's career took off during the Bangladesh Premier League. He gained recognition for his accurate cutters and slower deliveries, earning him the nickname "The Fizz." This performance propelled him to international prominence.

2015: Plays for Dhaka Dynamites in BPL

In 2015, Mustafizur Rahman's first professional Twenty20 career outside international cricket was the Bangladesh Premier League, where he played for Dhaka Dynamites, taking 14 wickets in 10 matches.

February 2016: Drafted by Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL Auction

In February 2016, Mustafizur Rahman was drafted by Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL auction. He took 17 wickets in 16 matches, contributing to his team winning the title and earning him the "Emerging Player of the Tournament" award.

March 2016: Signed by Sussex for T20 Blast

In March 2016, Mustafizur Rahman was signed by the English side Sussex as their second overseas player for the T20 Blast competition. He took four wickets in his debut match against Essex, but after another match, a shoulder surgery sidelined him for six months.

December 2016: Retained by Sunrisers Hyderabad

In December 2016, Mustafizur Rahman was retained by the Sunrisers Hyderabad for the 2017 IPL auction, although he was doubtful about missing the first leg of the tournament.

2016: Asia Cup and ICC World Twenty20 participation

In 2016, Mustafizur Rahman participated in the Asia Cup, but was sidelined due to a side strain, playing only the first three games. He played against Australia, India, and New Zealand in the 2016 ICC World Twenty20, where he became the first Bangladeshi bowler to grab five wickets in the T20 World Cup, taking 5 for 22 against New Zealand. He was named as 12th man in the 'Team of the Tournament' for the 2016 T20 World Cup by the ICC.

2016: Acquisition by Sunrisers Hyderabad

In 2016, Mustafizur Rahman was acquired by Sunrisers Hyderabad for $208k, where he won his first Indian Premier League (IPL) title and became the fifth-highest wicket-taker in the tournament.

March 2017: Test Match Against Sri Lanka

In March 2017, Mustafizur Rahman played his first Test match since August 2015 against Sri Lanka at Galle, taking eight wickets in the series.

January 2018: Bought by Mumbai Indians in IPL Auction

In January 2018, Mustafizur Rahman was bought by the Mumbai Indians in the IPL auction.

October 2018: Named in Rajshahi Kings Squad

In October 2018, Mustafizur Rahman was named in the squad for the Rajshahi Kings team, following the draft for the 2018–19 Bangladesh Premier League.

April 2019: Named in Bangladesh's Squad for 2019 Cricket World Cup

In April 2019, Mustafizur Rahman was named in Bangladesh's squad for the 2019 Cricket World Cup.

July 2019: Took 100th Wicket in ODIs

On 5 July 2019, in the match against Pakistan, Mustafizur Rahman took his 100th wicket in ODIs. He finished the tournament as the leading wicket-taker for Bangladesh, with twenty dismissals in eight matches.

November 2019: Selected to play for Rangpur Rangers

In November 2019, Mustafizur Rahman was selected to play for the Rangpur Rangers in the 2019–20 Bangladesh Premier League.

February 2021: Bought by Rajasthan Royals in IPL Auction

In February 2021, Mustafizur Rahman was bought by the Rajasthan Royals from his base price of INR 1.00 crore in the IPL auction.

September 2021: Named in Squad for 2021 ICC Men's T20 World Cup

In September 2021, Mustafizur Rahman was named in Bangladesh's squad for the 2021 ICC Men's T20 World Cup.

2021: Selected to play for Comilla Victorians

In 2021, Mustafizur Rahman selected in icon category and contract for Bangladesh Premier League 2021-22 season.

February 2022: Bought by Delhi Capitals in IPL Auction

In February 2022, Mustafizur Rahman was bought by the Delhi Capitals in the auction for the Indian Premier League tournament. He played 8 matches and took 8 wickets.

2022: Selected to play for Comilla Victorians

In 21 January, Mustafizur Rahman was selected to play for the Comilla Victorians which has announced the squad for the BPL 2022 season.

May 2024: Named in Bangladesh's Squad for 2024 ICC Men's T20 World Cup

In May 2024, Mustafizur Rahman was named in Bangladesh's squad for the 2024 ICC Men's T20 World Cup tournament.

2024: Played for Chennai Super Kings

In 2024, Mustafizur Rahman played for the Indian Premier League team Chennai Super Kings.

2024: Selected to play for Dhaka Capitals and Reaches 100 BPL wickets

In 2024, Mustafizur Rahman was selected to play for Dhaka Capitals in the Bangladesh Premiere League. On 20 January, he became the 4th bowler to reach 100 BPL wickets.

January 2025: Named in Squad for 2025 ICC Champions Trophy

On 12 January 2025, Mustafizur Rahman was named in Bangladesh's squad for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.

May 2025: First Player to Bowl 300 Dot Balls in Death Overs in T20I Cricket

In May 2025, Mustafizur Rahman was named in Bangladesh's squad for their tour to the United Arab Emirates. On 17 May 2025, during the 1st T20I, he became the first player to bowl 300 dot balls in death overs in T20I cricket.