Left-arm fast bowler Yash Dayal is set to return to competitive cricket in the upcoming UPT20 League after spending several months away from the game. The tournament organizers are planning to conduct a mini-auction in mid-July, with Agra and Noida being considered as the likely venues for the event.
The pacer has not played competitive cricket since late 2024 due to legal proceedings linked to two separate criminal cases. Despite being retained by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for ₹5 crore ahead of IPL 2026, Dayal remained unavailable throughout the season and did not feature in a single match.
UPCA to Grant NOC to Yash Dayal After Legal Proceedings End
Yash Dayal is set to return to competitive cricket after legal proceedings against him were resolved. The left-arm pacer had faced cases in different states, including allegations under the POCSO Act in one case. An FIR was also filed in Ghaziabad, while another case was registered in Jaipur.
Despite the legal issues, the Gorakhpur Lions retained Dayal for the upcoming UPT20 League along with Aryan Juyal and Siddhartha Yadav. 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 will be eligible to return to domestic cricket. He said the association will issue the required clearance for the pacer to participate in both league and domestic competitions.
"UPCA will give an NOC to Yash Dayal for playing domestic and league cricket because all legal proceedings have been settled," Gupta said.
UPT20 League Eyes Agra and Noida as Mini-Auction Venues
The UPT20 League governing council is considering Agra and Noida as venues for the upcoming mini-auction. Officials are assessing logistical arrangements in both cities, while Lucknow remains a backup option if accommodation and infrastructure requirements are not met.
Teams have already submitted their retention lists ahead of the new season. Gorakhpur Lions retained Yash Dayal, Aryan Juyal, and Siddhartha 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 that the tournament wants to strengthen its presence in different parts of the state. He added that the mini-auction is likely to take place in mid-July, with a final decision on the venue expected soon.
"We will conduct the UPT20 League mini-auction in mid-July. We are looking at holding it in new cities such as Agra and Noida. We want to promote the league on a larger scale, which is why we are considering these venues. If hotel arrangements are not feasible in Agra or Noida, Lucknow will remain our venue for the mini-auction," Kapoor told TOI.
Yash Dayal Set for Competitive Return After Long Absence
Royal Challengers Bengaluru faced criticism for retaining Yash Dayal ahead of IPL 2026. However, the left-arm pacer remained unavailable throughout the season and did not play a single match for the team.
Dayal recently returned to competitive cricket with the Ghaziabad Royals in the Ghaziabad Premier League. Before that appearance, his last List A match came for Uttar Pradesh against Chhattisgarh in Vizianagaram on December 28, 2024.
The pacer 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 Bengaluru against Punjab Kings in Ahmedabad during the 2025 season.
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