Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh pacer Yash Dayal has sought a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) to move to Chhattisgarh for the upcoming domestic season. Speculation was rife that Dayal would feature in the UPT20 League after playing in the Ghaziabad Premier League in June, where he took nine wickets in four matches. However, the left-arm pacer decided to move on. Yash represented Uttar Pradesh from 2018 to 2025, playing 27 first-class matches and taking 84 wickets. In List A cricket, he claimed 36 wickets in 23 matches, while in T20s, he took 66 wickets in 71 matches. Speaking to TOI, Dayal said, “I have applied to the UPCA for an NOC. From next month, I will join the Chhattisgarh team’s fitness camp and play for Chhattisgarh in the upcoming domestic season.” The left-arm pacer revealed that talks with the Chhattisgarh Cricket Association were on even before the start of the season, but he initially needed time to take a decision. After discussions with his seniors and family, he decided to go ahead with the move. Dayal said that leaving Uttar Pradesh was an emotional and difficult decision as the UPCA had played a major role in his career. “Playing for the UP team and representing Uttar Pradesh in the Ranji Trophy it was extremely special and a matter of pride for me. The UP Cricket Association is very close to my heart. UP gave me recognition. I played in the IPL and was also selected for the Indian team. UPCA has contributed immensely to everything I have achieved,” he said. Talking about the tough phase he faced recently, including legal and mental challenges, Dayal said cricket helped him stay strong and focus on making a comeback. “As a cricketer, no one wants to go through a phase that shakes their life. But cricket has taught me how to make a comeback and perform in any situation. I have not run away from difficulties. My family and my coaches have always been with me,” he said. “Many times I felt like giving up because, despite being able, I couldn’t play. In such circumstances, sometimes the mind begins to break,” he added. The pacer also clarified his situation with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, saying that the franchise had not abandoned him. He said he would remain part of the team but would not travel with the team during the season. On ongoing legal matters, Dayal confirmed that he had been granted bail in both cases and that the proceedings were still ongoing. “In both cases, I have officially been granted bail and the cases are still pending,” he said. Meanwhile, a senior UPCA official told TOI, “Yash has applied for an NOC, and his request is still under consideration.”
