Nitish Rana is not eligible for DPL 2025 due to a rule set by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). This rule requires players who switch state teams to serve a 12-month cooling-off period before participating in that state’s franchise-based T20 league. Since Rana recently returned to Delhi after playing for Uttar Pradesh, he has not completed the required time.
In 2023, Rana moved from Delhi to Uttar Pradesh seeking more opportunities in red-ball cricket. He even took on the role of captain. However, his performances did not meet expectations. He scored just one century in 10 first-class matches and struggled in limited-overs formats. As a result, UP selectors dropped him from the squad, and he missed out on the UP T20 league as well.
Hoping for a fresh start, Rana rejoined Delhi with a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the UP Cricket Association. He had planned to participate in the Delhi Premier League 2025. Unfortunately, the BCCI’s cooling-off rule has made him ineligible. This rule applies to all players who change domestic teams and aims to prevent frequent switching just before major leagues.
Despite being ruled out of DPL 2025, Rana can still represent Delhi in national-level domestic competitions like the Ranji Trophy and the Vijay Hazare Trophy. However, missing the DPL is a major setback. The league is gaining popularity and offers players a strong platform to showcase their skills ahead of the IPL and other opportunities.
This decision affects both Rana and his supporters. Many fans were looking forward to watching him back in action in Delhi colors. Still, the rule ensures fairness and consistency across state associations.
Nitish Rana is not eligible for DPL 2025 because he has not completed BCCI’s required cooling-off period. For now, he must wait until the next season and use the time to focus on his domestic form. A strong comeback in 2026 could still revive his T20 career.
