Royal Challengers Bengaluru quick bowler Yash Dayal has broken his silence on why he is not featuring in the current Indian Premier League season, insisting that the choice was not made by him personally. His comments have come amid ongoing legal allegations involving charges of sexual exploitation connected to claims of marriage, alongside separate proceedings that reference the POCSO Act.
Why Dayal says he missed the IPL
- Dayal said that when he watches RCB matches on television, he feels like getting up and reacting, but he stressed that he has not been removed from the franchise setup.
- He noted that RCB retained him on their list and did not bring in a replacement, which he interpreted as evidence that the team still considered him an important part of the squad.
- Speaking on the Talk with Manvendra YouTube show, he said his unavailability for the season was not a personal decision and that any such call is taken by the relevant authority.
- He added that while he misses the team, he is unsure whether the franchise and supporters also feel his absence.
Dayal also revealed that despite not being involved on the field, he remains in regular touch with RCB’s management. He said he has spoken with the director, the head coach, and Dinesh Karthik, explaining that communication continues at intervals and that there is no break or confusion between parties.
For context, Dayal was a key figure in the RCB squad last season, when the franchise won its first-ever IPL title. Ahead of this year’s tournament, RCB’s cricket director Mo Bobat had said Dayal would not be available for IPL 2026 due to “a personal situation,” adding that the decision was taken keeping both Dayal’s interests and the club’s interests in mind.
Legal cases and what has been reported
- Reports claim Dayal is facing allegations of sexual exploitation under the pretext of marriage in a case registered in Ghaziabad.
- In that Ghaziabad matter, the Allahabad High Court reportedly provided protection from arrest to Dayal.
- A separate case was registered in Jaipur, and the Rajasthan High Court declined to grant him relief from arrest, citing the seriousness and sensitivity of allegations linked to the POCSO Act.
In the Jaipur complaint, which is described as involving a minor, the allegations state that the complainant came into contact with Dayal during an IPL match in Jaipur. The minor further claimed that she faced repeated sexual abuse over a period of two years, along with accusations of emotional manipulation and false assurances tied to a potential cricketing career.
The complaint, as reported, was filed at Sanganer Sadar police station, and the claims are understood to be under legal scrutiny.
Impact on domestic participation
- Following the second case, Dayal was reportedly not permitted to take part in the UP T20 League last year.
- He had been signed by the Gorakhpur Lions for INR 7 lakh ahead of that competition, but the reported restriction kept him out.
