Left-arm fast bowler Yash Dayal is set to make a comeback to competitive cricket in the upcoming UPT20 league after several months away from the game. The tournament organizers are planning to hold a mini-auction in mid-July, with Agra and Noida being considered as possible venues for the event.
The fast bowler has not played competitive cricket since the end of 2024 due to legal proceedings related to two separate criminal cases. Despite being retained by Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) for ₹5 crore ahead of IPL 2026, Dayal remained unavailable throughout the season and did not feature in a single match.
UPCA will give NOC to Yash Dayal after the legal proceedings are over
Yash Dayal is all set to return to competitive cricket after the legal proceedings against him are resolved. The left-arm fast bowler had faced cases in various states, including charges under the POCSO Act in one case. An FIR was also registered in Ghaziabad, while the second case was registered in Jaipur.
Despite the legal issues, Gorakhpur Lions retained Dayal along with Aryan Juyal and Siddharth Yadav for the upcoming UPT20 league. UPT20 League Governing Council Chairman Sanjay Kapoor confirmed that Dayal remains part of the squad and is available for selection.
Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) secretary Prem Manohar Gupta confirmed that Dayal would be eligible to return to domestic cricket. He said that the association will issue the necessary clearance to the fast bowler to participate in both the league and domestic competitions.
Gupta said, “UPCA will give NOC to Yash Dayal to play domestic and league cricket as all the legal proceedings have been settled.”
UPT20 league eyes Agra and Noida as mini-auction venues
The UPT20 League Governing Council is considering Agra and Noida for the upcoming mini-auction. Officials are assessing the logistics arrangements in both the cities, while Lucknow remains a backup option in case housing and infrastructure requirements are not met.
The teams have already submitted their retention lists ahead of the new season. Gorakhpur Lions retained Yash Dayal, Aryan Juyal and Siddharth Yadav, while defending champions Meerut Mavericks kept key players Rinku Singh, Kartik Tyagi and Zeeshan Ansari in their squad.
UPT20 League Governing Council Chairman Sanjay Kapoor said the tournament looks to strengthen its presence in different parts of the state. He said the mini-auction is likely to take place in mid-July, with the final decision on the venue expected soon.
“We will hold the mini-auction of the UPT20 league in mid-July. We are considering holding it in new cities like Agra and Noida. We want to promote the league in a big way, which is why we are considering these locations. If hotel arrangements are not possible in Agra or Noida, then Lucknow will be our venue for the mini-auction,” Kapoor told TOI.
Yash Dayal ready for competitive comeback after long absence
Royal Challengers Bangalore face criticism for retaining Yash Dayal ahead of IPL 2026. However, the left-arm fast bowler remained unavailable throughout the season and did not play a single match for the team.
Dayal recently returned to competitive cricket with Ghaziabad Royals in the Ghaziabad Premier League. Before that appearance, his last List A match came for Uttar Pradesh against Chhattisgarh at Vizianagaram on December 28, 2024.
The fast bowler last played first-class cricket for Uttar Pradesh against Haryana in Lucknow between October 18 and 21, 2024. His most recent IPL appearance came for Royal Challengers Bangalore against Punjab Kings in Ahmedabad during the 2025 season.
