The Delhi Premier League (DPL) 2025 Eliminator match between West Delhi Lions and South Delhi Superstarz was high on drama on the pitch and the fallout has now been confirmed.
Five players, including IPL stars Nitish Rana and Digvesh Rathi, were fined by the DPL disciplinary committee on Saturday for violating the league’s Code of Conduct during the fiery contest.
The confrontation erupted when Nitish Rana, after hitting Rathi for a six, did the victory dance in the spinner’s signature “notebook fashion” – a gesture that led to a heated verbal confrontation between them. Match officials were forced to step in to calm things down as things seemed to boil over even further.
The Penalties
Digvesh Rathi: Fined 80% of his match fee for a Level 2 infringement (Article 2.2) – behaviour contrary to the spirit of the game.
Nitish Rana: Fined 50% of his match fee for a Level 1 infringement (Article 2.6) – making an obscene or offensive gesture in a match.
Krish Yadav: Fined 100% of his match fee for Level 2 offense (Article 2.3) – audible obscenity and bat-pointing at an opposition player.
Aman Bharti: Fined 30% of his match fee for Level 1 offense (Article 2.3) – audible obscenity during the game.
Sumit Mathur: Fined 50% of match fee for Level 1 offense (Article 2.5) – making a comment or gesture that was likely to trigger an angry response.
DPL’s Statement
According to a press release, the DPL said the fines were issued to reaffirm the league’s seriousness about discipline and sportsmanship.
The Eliminator match had already gained attention for its fiery exchanges, with Rana’s explosive 134* and Rathi’s expensive bowling spell adding fuel to the drama. However, the fines signal a clear warning that on-field confrontations will not be tolerated, no matter how high the stakes.
Also Read: RCB Cares Announces Rs 25 Lakh Compensation For Families of Stadium Stampede Victims
