In a surprise last-minute turn of events just before the Delhi Premier League (DPL) 2025 mega auction, ex-KKR skipper Nitish Rana has been cleared to play the tournament.
His initial ineligibility on account of the cooling-off clause by BCCI has now seen him being included at the last minute – to the delight of the East Delhi Riders’ co-owner, who has now confirmed him in the auction pool.
Back to Delhi Cricket
Earlier in the year, Rana returned to Delhi after a disappointing two-year stint with Uttar Pradesh. Failing to get consistent runs in both red and white-ball cricket, the left-handed batsman opted for a new beginning in familiar surroundings.
With the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) granting him a No Objection Certificate (NOC), Rana was cleared to play for Delhi in national competitions. However, questions remained over his eligibility for local leagues like the DPL, due to the BCCI’s one-year cooling-off rule for inter-state transfers.
That hurdle now appears to have been cleared just in time.
The East Delhi Riders, who are among the franchises targeting Rana were swift to respond to the news, with one of the co-owners of the team confirming that Rana is now included in the auction pool and can be picked.
The availability of Rana provides another level of excitement for the DPL auction, with teams set to re-strategize and focus their attention on the veteran left-hander, who offers both leadership acumen and firepower.
A Glimpse into His State Switch
Rana had first shifted to Uttar Pradesh in 2023, looking for fresh opportunities and captaincy in red-ball cricket. Although he was appointed captain, his performance – particularly in the white-ball versions – did not make a lasting impression. Now, with focus again on Delhi, Rana got the required NOC to return.
But Ashok Sharma, the secretary of the Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA), said that though discussions have been on and Rana has produced the NOC, Delhi is yet to receive it in writing. Only after that can his re-induction be finalized.
“We’ve talked to Nitish and he’s intimated that he has the NOC, but till it comes to us officially, we cannot work on his eligibility for tournaments,” Sharma said.
Adding to the complexity is the timing: the UP T20 League and DPL are typically scheduled around the same time. Since Rana was active in UP’s competition recently, the BCCI’s eligibility clause directly impacts his availability for this season’s DPL.
Recent Form and IPL Struggles
Rana’s last outing was in the IPL 2025, where he played for the Rajasthan Royals (RR). The season was tough for the left-handed hitter, as he scored only 217 runs at an average of 21.7. His stint with UP too had irregular performances, particularly in the shorter versions, which further led him to decide to return to his roots in Delhi.
Although Rana won’t be part of the DPL this year, he is expected to return to Delhi’s domestic setup in other formats – with eyes now on a fresh start in the 2026 DPL season.