Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have suffered a major blow as fast bowler Yash Dayal will not be able to play in the upcoming IPL 2026, starting from March 28. Team director Mo Bobt has confirmed that Yash Dayal is going through a personal crisis, and that is why he will not be able to play in the league.
Dayal is facing serious legal drama since July 2025. First, an FIR was lodged in Ghaziabad against the left-arm fast bowler for sexually assaulting a woman by promising her marriage. The woman made many serious allegations against the cricketer.
Adding to the troubles, a second FIR has been lodged against the RCB bowler under the POCSO Act in Jaipur and this time, he has been accused of raping a minor. Although Dayal got relief from the Allahabad High Court, the Jaipur Court rejected his anticipatory bail on the basis of the recovered digital records.
RCB miss entire IPL 2026 season as Yash Dayal misses entire IPL 2026 season
After which Yash Dayal was banned from the UP T20 League and then the Uttar Pradesh team also ignored him for the Ranji Trophy. And now they have got the biggest blow, as the defending champions have also decided to avoid further controversy by playing fast bowlers in IPL 2026.
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Although the RCB team director has not revealed much on Dayal’s status, his brief statement was enough to indicate that the franchise wants to keep itself away from legal issues, especially after the tragic stampede in Bengaluru during the celebrations of the first title in 2025.
They clarified that they will not be terminating Yash Dayal’s contract with the franchise, but he will not be a part of the team in the upcoming season, thereby missing the entire tournament.
“He (Yash Dayal) is going through a personal situation. He remains under contract,” Cricbuzz quoted Mo Bobat as saying.
Blackstone plans bold entry into IPL
Meanwhile, Blackstone Inc. is reportedly planning its first sports investment. The company is looking to spend around $200-300 million through its special fund for wealthy investors to buy a stake in one of the two IPL teams – RCB or Rajasthan Royals – that are currently poised to capture the market.
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The potential deal would be made through the Blackstone Private Equity Strategies Fund, which allows the firm to place long-term bets more easily than traditional investment methods. If the deal is confirmed, it could be a new and bold chapter for both Blackstone and the IPL.
RCB and KSCA to honor Bengaluru stampede victims
As the defending champions prepare to begin their title defense on home soil, the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium is preparing for an emotional tribute. Both KSCA and RCB have decided to pay an emotional tribute to those who lost their lives in the tragic incident last year, which also included a young 14-year-old boy.
Before the opening match of IPL 2026 against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), a special commemorative plaque will be installed near the inner entrance of the stadium so that fans can remember him. Additionally, 11 seats inside the stadium will always be reserved for every IPL and international match in his honour.
