Yash Dayal cleared in the POCSO case, set to return in this tournament

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) pacer Yash Dayal is set to make his return to competitive cricket after reportedly being cleared in the POCSO case that had kept him away from the game for more than a year. The left-arm seamer is now expected to feature in the upcoming edition of the Uttar Pradesh T20 League after receiving a major legal reprieve.

Dayal has not played competitive cricket since representing RCB during the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL). His absence came amid legal proceedings involving separate allegations, including a case registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

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Yash Dayal set for Uttar Pradesh T20 League return

With the legal proceedings reportedly settled, the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) has confirmed that Dayal will be allowed to resume his cricketing career.

UPCA secretary Prem Manohar Gupta confirmed that the association will issue the pacer a No Objection Certificate (NOC), paving the way for his participation in domestic and franchise competitions.

"UPCA will give an NOC to Yash Dayal for playing domestic and league cricket because all legal proceedings have been settled."

The development also clears the path for Dayal to represent the Gorakhpur Lions in the upcoming Uttar Pradesh T20 League. The left-arm quick has reportedly been retained by the franchise ahead of the new season.

UPT20 League governing council chairman Sanjay Kapoor also confirmed that preparations for the tournament are underway, with the mini-auction expected to take place in mid-July as organizers explore hosting it in cities such as Agra and Noida.

Legal proceedings kept RCB pacer out of action

Dayal's prolonged absence stemmed from multiple legal cases registered against him last year.

One FIR was filed at the Indirapuram Police Station in Ghaziabad under Section 69 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), alleging sexual exploitation under the pretext of marriage.

A separate FIR was later registered at Jaipur's Sanganer Police Station under the POCSO Act. According to the complaint, the allegations related to incidents that allegedly began when the complainant was a minor.

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Following the conclusion of the legal proceedings, Dayal has now reportedly been cleared of the charges, allowing him to resume his cricket career after an extended spell on the sidelines.

His return to the Uttar Pradesh T20 League will mark his first competitive appearance since the 2025 IPL season, as the 27-year-old looks to rebuild his career after spending over a year away from the field.