Yash Dayal back in UP camp while rape allegations remain pending
The fast bowler has been named in Uttar Pradesh's pre-season training group as he works toward a return to competitive cricket.
Yash Dayal is set to return to the field, with Uttar Pradesh including the fast bowler in its training camp ahead of the 2026-27 domestic season. The camp begins September 25 at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, where the state side will prepare for the BCCI calendar, including the Ranji Trophy.
UPCA chief executive Ankit Chatterjee confirmed the 28-year-old is in contention for selection. According to Chatterjee, Dayal attended trials and performed well in practice matches, earning his place in the Ranji Trophy camp.
Not long ago, Dayal had looked to move away from Uttar Pradesh, targeting a switch to Chhattisgarh and requesting a No Objection Certificate. The association instead assured him of a role, and the selection appears to honour that commitment.
The return comes after a difficult year for Dayal, who has been dealing with two separate rape cases. In one, he faces a rape charge; in the other, he is accused of raping a minor, with that case filed under the POCSO Act. An FIR was also registered against him under Section 64 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The legal proceedings caused him to sit out IPL 2026 with Royal Challengers Bengaluru.