Just a few months ago, Yash Dayal was being hailed as one of Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) title-winning heroes in the IPL. Today, the left-arm pacer is staring at a massive uncertain future after the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) barred him from taking part in the upcoming Uttar Pradesh T20 League, commonly known as the UPT20 League. The decision comes in the wake of two sexual assault cases filed against him, which has been a career-threatening controversy for Dayal.
UPT20 League ban after twin FIRs against Dayal
Dayal was set to represent Gorakhpur Lions in the UPT20 after being bought for ₹7 lakh. However, according to India Today, the 27-year-old has been banned due to ongoing cases against him. This is something that we touched upon earlier as well. Earlier, an FIR was filed in Ghaziabad accusing Dayal of sexual exploitation under the pretext of marriage. While the Allahabad High Court granted him interim protection from arrest in that matter, another case registered in Jaipur has left his career hanging by a thread.
In Jaipur, a minor girl has alleged that Dayal sexually exploited her over two years, luring her with promises of a future in cricket. The complaint, lodged at the Sanganer Sadar Police Station, has been registered under the stringent Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Unlike the Ghaziabad case, the Rajasthan High Court has refused to grant relief, with the next hearing scheduled for August 22.
Yash Dayal’s career over?
The allegations come at a time when Dayal was enjoying the peak of his career. He played a key role in RCB’s maiden IPL title triumph earlier this year, picking up 13 wickets in their successful campaign. In fact, Dayal was retained over the likes of Mohammed Siraj and Faf du Plessis. Once viewed as one of the bright prospects of Indian fast bowling, who even got a Test call-up last year, he now faces the possibility of arrest and a prolonged absence from the game.
While Gorakhpur Lions have maintained that they are yet to receive a formal directive from the UPCA, the state body has made it clear that Dayal will not be allowed to participate in UPT20 2025.
