Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) bowler Yash Dayal is set to return to competitive Cricket after over a year. The Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) has issued a No Objection Certificate (NOC), allowing him to participate in the upcoming UPT20 League.
As reported by the Times of India, the governing council of the UPT20 League plans to hold its mini-auction in mid-July. While Lucknow has been the traditional host for events, organizers are considering other locations like Agra and Noida to broaden the tournament’s reach in the state.
Sanjay Kapoor, the chairman of the governing council, confirmed that venue discussions are ongoing.
“We will conduct the UPT20 League mini-auction in mid-July. We are looking at new cities such as Agra and Noida to promote the league on a larger scale. If arrangements in these cities are not feasible, we will stick with Lucknow as our venue for the mini-auction,” Kapoor said.
As the new season nears, franchises are finalizing their retention lists. Meerut Mavericks have retained players like Rinku Singh and Kartik Tyagi, while Gorakhpur Lions will continue with Aryan Juyal and Yash Dayal.
Kapoor mentioned that Dayal will remain with Gorakhpur Lions and will participate in the tournament, marking a significant step in his competitive cricket return.
UPCA secretary Prem Manohar Gupta stated that the association will provide an NOC to Dayal after resolving all legal issues concerning him.
“UPCA will issue an NOC to Yash Dayal for playing domestic and league cricket because all legal matters have been settled,” Gupta said.
Dayal’s return follows a long absence from professional cricket. Although he was retained by Royal Challengers Bengaluru for the IPL 2025 season, he did not play. His last IPL match was for RCB against Punjab Kings in Ahmedabad during the 2025 season.
In domestic cricket, Dayal last played for Uttar Pradesh in a Vijay Hazare Trophy match against Chhattisgarh on December 28, 2024. His latest first-class match was against Haryana from October 18 to 21, 2024.
Recently, Dayal participated in the Ghaziabad Premier League for Ghaziabad Royals, which concluded earlier this week.