Just before the highly anticipated Delhi Premier League (DPL) 2025 auction, there is a significant update on veteran Indian cricketer Nitish Rana. The ex-Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain won’t be permitted to play this year’s DPL because of a clause set up by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
Why Can’t Nitish Rana Play This Season?
Having spent the previous two domestic seasons at Uttar Pradesh (UP), Rana had already switched to his home state, Delhi, with the hope of playing for them again. While he did receive the required No Objection Certificate (NOC) from UP, BCCI regulations specify a 12-month “cooling-off period” for players moving between state sides before they can take part in local T20 league cricket for their new side.
As Rana was recently playing for UP’s T20 league, he has not yet served the full cooling-off period and thus cannot play for the DPL this season.
“Sadly, the 12-month cooling-off period prevents Rana from participating in the DPL 2025,” a BCCI official assured Cricblogger. “He is indeed carrying a valid NOC from UP and is officially cleared to play for Delhi in domestic cricket, but will have to wait until next season to play in the DPL.”
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.
Also Read: ENG Vs IND: Sourav Ganguly Questions Kuldeep Yadav’s Omission In 2nd Test
