Digvesh Rathi, Nitish Rana Penalized After Heated Clash in DPL 2025 Eliminator

The Delhi Premier League (DPL) 2025 Eliminator between West Delhi Lions and South Delhi Superstarz witnessed high drama as players engaged in multiple on-field altercations. Digvesh Rathi and Nitish Rana were the central figures in the most prominent exchange, resulting in heavy fines for both cricketers.

The incident occurred during the second innings when Rathi and Rana were involved in a verbal confrontation that quickly escalated, forcing umpires and teammates to intervene. Following a review by the match officials, Rathi was fined 80% of his match fee for a Level 2 breach of the Code of Conduct under Article 2.2 — conduct contrary to the spirit of the game. Rana, meanwhile, was fined 50% of his match fee for a Level 1 offence under Article 2.6, which pertains to using an obscene or offensive gesture during play.

The match featured another flashpoint when South Delhi Superstarz pacer Aman Bharti gave an aggressive send-off to West Delhi batter Krish Yadav after dismissing him for 31 off 22 balls in the 11th over. Yadav retaliated verbally while walking back, prompting umpires to step in once again. The situation escalated further when Sumit Bharti approached Yadav, leading to a heated exchange between the two sides.

As a result of the investigation, additional sanctions were imposed. Yadav received a 100% match fee fine for a Level 2 offence under Article 2.3, related to the use of audible obscenity after provocation and pointing the bat at an opponent. Sumit Bharti was fined 50% of his match fee for a Level 1 offence under Article 2.5 for using language or gestures that could provoke an aggressive reaction. Aman Bharti was penalized 30% of his match fee for a Level 1 offence under Article 2.3 for the use of audible obscenity.

The disciplinary committee emphasized the need for players to uphold the spirit of the game and warned of stricter penalties for future breaches.