In a massive development, just hours before the Delhi Premier League (DPL) 2025 mega auction, former KKR skipper Nitish Rana has been cleared to participate in the tournament. Earlier ruled ineligible due to a BCCI cooling-off clause, Rana’s inclusion comes as a late but welcome surprise — especially for East Delhi Riders, whose co-owner has now confirmed Rana’s availability for the auction pool.
Rana switched from UP to Delhi
Rana had switched back to Delhi from Uttar Pradesh earlier this year after a forgettable two-season stint that saw him struggle for form in red and white-ball cricket. With the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) granting him a No Objection Certificate (NOC), Rana was eligible to represent Delhi in national tournaments but was reportedly barred from playing in local leagues like the DPL due to a one-year cooling-off policy.
However, the recent development overturns that understanding. It is believed that there’s no one-year cool-off clause which has paved the way for Rana’s participation. His availability will only add star power to the DPL, now expanded to eight teams.
the heights expected. In 10 First-Class matches, he managed just 447 runs at an average of 31.92, while his List-A returns were even bleaker — just 72 runs in 7 games. Despite being bought for ₹4.20 crore by the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, he had a modest season, scoring only 217 runs in 11 games. His leadership for UP across six FC and five List-A matches didn’t translate into success either.
