Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh pacer Yash Dayal has sought a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) to switch 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 has 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 picked up 66 wickets in 71 matches. Talking 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 had been underway even before the start of the season, but he initially needed time to make a decision. After discussions with his seniors and family, he decided to go ahead with the move. Dayal said 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 has been 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. The UPCA has contributed immensely to whatever I have achieved,” he said. Speaking about the difficult phase he has 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 his life. But cricket has taught me how to make a comeback and perform in every situation. I did not run away from difficulties. My family and my coaches always stood by me,” he said. “Many times I felt like giving up because, despite being capable, I was not able to play. In such circumstances, sometimes the mind starts to break,” he added. The pacer also clarified his situation with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, saying the franchise had not dropped him. He said he remained part of the squad but was not travelling with the team during the season. On the ongoing legal matters, Dayal confirmed that he had been granted bail in both cases and that the proceedings were still underway. “In both cases, I have officially been granted bail and the cases are still under process,” he said. Meanwhile, a senior UPCA official told TOI, “Yash has applied for an NOC, and his request is still under consideration.”
