RCB’s Reputation Questioned After Retaining Accused Pacer Yash Dayal Ahead of IPL 2026 Auctions
RCB faces massive backlash for retaining Yash Dayal despite serious criminal allegations and ongoing investigations ahead of IPL 2026.
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Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has sparked a heated row after they decided on retaining pacer Yash Dayal in their squad before the IPL 2026 mini-auction. The controversial announcement raised a huge uproar on social media platforms due to allegations that Yash Dayal, the pacer, is involved in serious crimes in two reported cases, one in Jaipur and one in Ghaziabad. Previously, the pacer was banned from playing in the UP T20 League over accusations of sexual and financial exploitation of a long-term partner. The Jaipur case is even more serious, with complaints claiming that he raped a minor over the course of two years. As a result, RCB has faced serious criticism for retaining Yash Dayal in light of the ongoing investigation.
Fans expressed extreme disappointment, calling the franchise's action "shameful", "diabolical", and "shameful," with many claiming to discontinue any future support for the team. The criticism intensified when Dayal's state team Uttar Pradesh had previously already deprecated him for the very same allegations. Social media was on fire with calls for accountability as fans and followers questioned how a franchise built around a global icon in the way of Virat Kohli would employ a player with terms of allegations like these against him. Many felt the decision by RCB tarnished the brand name of the franchise and communicated an irresponsible message at a time when sports organizations around the world have increasingly taken stronger stances when addressing off-field conduct.
Legal Context and Debate over the RCB's Decision
It should be noted that while Dayal has been booked under sections of the POCSO Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), none of those allegations have been substantiated in a court proceeding. There are two separate FIRs, which are still in Vesting, and legally, IPL teams would not be required to release players - unless ordered by the court or BCCI.
To maintain their own brand value, public trust, and minimize reputational harm, teams typically distance themselves from players under criminal investigation. Choosing the opposite route, RCB has created a firestorm of ethics vs. legality and placed the franchise under tremendous public pressure as IPL 2026 nears.
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