Yash Dayal Set To Join Chhattisgarh for 2026-27 Domestic Season Amid Sexual Assault Allegations: Report
The 28-year-old fast bowler, who last played in the IPL 2025 final on June 3, 2025, has been out of action amidst ongoing sexual assault and POCSO allegations in Ghaziabad and Jaipur. His move from Uttar Pradesh to Chhattisgarh marks a new chapter.
Indian fast bowler Yash Dayal is poised to make a comeback to competitive cricket, as the pacer is set for a move to Chhattisgarh for the 2026-27 domestic season. The significant development sees the left-arm pacer returning to the cricketing fold after a prolonged absence that followed the IPL 2025 final and was overshadowed by serious legal challenges. Dayal, last seen in action for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), will look to reignite his career in a new state setup. Yash Dayal Marries Shweta Pundir: RCB Pacer Ties the Knot With Content Creator in Private Ceremony Amid Sexual Assault Allegations.
According to a report by cricinfo, Dayal is awaiting a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) to complete his domestic move to Chhattisgarh. This comes as Chhattisgarh begin their pre-season training camp at Alur.
Legal Battles and Absence from IPL 2026
Dayal, 28, has been embroiled in multiple legal controversies. He faces allegations of sexual exploitation under the false promise of marriage in Ghaziabad, a case registered under Section 69 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). A more grave complaint against him involves the alleged rape of a minor in Jaipur, leading to charges under the BNS and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. While the Allahabad High Court granted him protection from arrest in the Ghaziabad case in July 2025, the Rajasthan High Court declined anticipatory bail in the Jaipur POCSO case in December 2025, citing the severity of the allegations.
These legal entanglements led to Dayal's exclusion from the UP T20 League in August 2025 and, more recently, saw him miss the entire Indian Premier League 2026 season. Royal Challengers Bengaluru, despite retaining him under contract, confirmed his absence was due to a 'personal situation.' However, Dayal himself later clarified that the decision for him to sit out was not entirely his own, but rather made by 'the authority.' He has consistently denied all allegations.
The Road to Chhattisgarh
Yash Dayal last played competitive cricket in the IPL 2025 final on June 3, 2025, where he notably helped Royal Challengers Bengaluru secure a thrilling victory against Punjab Kings at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. In that match, he picked up 1 wicket for 18 runs from his 3 overs. His performance in IPL 2025, particularly his ability to hold his nerve in crucial final overs, had earned him significant praise, including a match-winning effort against Chennai Super Kings earlier in the season. Yash Dayal Withdrawn from RCB Squad for IPL 2026 Amid Sexual Assault Allegations.
His switch to Chhattisgarh marks a new chapter in his career, offering a fresh opportunity to return to the pitch. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the 2026-27 domestic season schedule in May 2026, with the season set to commence with the prestigious Duleep Trophy from August 23, 2026. Chhattisgarh is slated to participate in the Ranji Trophy Elite Group C.
Dayal's return represents a pivotal moment, not just for his individual career but also for Chhattisgarh's domestic cricketing aspirations in the upcoming season.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 26, 2026 05:53 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
