DPL punishes Digvesh Rathi, Nitish Rana after fiery altercation
The DPL 2025 Eliminator turned out to be one fiery battle at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in the national capital. The match between West Delhi Lions and South Delhi Superstarz witnessed multiple brawl-like situations arising during the chase. Nitish Rana, leading the Lions, smashed an unbeaten ton to complete the 202-run chase and lock a spot in Qualifier 2. However, Rana's stay at the crease also involved heated exchange with Digvesh Rathi. The DPL authority took note of the altercation and levied heavy fines on the players involved, with Rathi bearing the greater brunt.
DPL imposes heavy fines on Digvesh Rathi and Nitish Rana for Eliminator row
The Delhi Premier League disciplinary committee has taken strict action against Digvesh Rathi and Nitish Rana following their heated clash during the DPL 2025 Eliminator on Saturday. The South Delhi Superstarz spinner has been docked 80% of his match fee for breaching Article 2.2 of the Code of Conduct, which refers to behavior “contrary to the spirit of the game.” The West Delhi Lions captain, meanwhile, was handed a 50% fine for violating Article 2.6 (Level 1), pertaining to “making obscene, offensive or insulting gestures during a match.”
The altercation stemmed from an exchange during Rathi’s over in the chase of the DPL Eliminator. After being struck for a six, the spinner reportedly used unsavoury language toward Rana. The tension had been building already as Rathi had pulled out mid-delivery earlier in the over, to which Rana responded in kind on the following ball. Tempers boiled over once Rana imitating Rathi's 'notebook celebration' after launching a six.
Rana's antics led to both players squaring up aggressively. The two had to be restrained as Rathi was seen shouting abuses while Rana resorted to finger-pointing. Despite the controversy, Rana had the last word with the bat. He smashed a blistering 134 not out off 55 deliveries, steering West Delhi Lions to a successful chase of 202 and booking their spot in Qualifier 2 against East Delhi Riders.
It’s all happening here! 🔥🏏
— Delhi Premier League T20 (@DelhiPLT20) August 29, 2025
Nitish Rana | Digvesh Singh Rathi | West Delhi Lions | South Delhi Superstarz | #DPL #DPL2025 #AdaniDPL2025 #Delhi pic.twitter.com/OfDZQGhOlr
Meanwhile, the DPL authorities also penalized Aman Bharti, Sumit Mathur, and Krish Yadav for their involvement in a separate scuffle. The incident occurred after Krish’s dismissal, when he returned to the playing area for a heated exchange with Sumit Mathur. The confrontation had been triggered moments earlier when Aman Bharti gave Krish a prolonged stare, sparking further provocation. Matters escalated quickly as Krish and Sumit nearly came to blows in the middle, before Nitish Rana and the on-field umpires intervened to restore calm.
“Aman Bharti has been fined 30 per cent of the match fees for a Code of Conduct breach under Article 2.3 (Level 1) for the use of audible obscenity during a Match,” the organisers said in an official statement.
"Sumit Mathur has been fined 50 per cent of the match fees for a Code of Conduct breach under Article 2.5 (Level 1). Krish Yadav has been fined 100% of the match fees for a Code of Conduct breach under Article 2.3 (Level 2) for using audible obscenity during a Match following an abuse from the opposing team player and pointing the bat towards the player,” the statement added.
