Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are under fire for retaining fast bowler Yash Dayal for the IPL 2026. Despite outstanding abuse claims against him, the franchise has maintained him on its roster.

RCB released six players before Saturday's deadline, but decided to keep Dayal for his INR 5 crore yearly deal. This decision comes despite two pending criminal cases against the Uttar Pradesh pacer.

Cases have been filed against Dayal in Ghaziabad and Jaipur, with FIRs registered in both cities. As a result, Dayal was banned from participating in the UP T20 league, as a case has been filed against him by his long-term partner in Ghaziabad.

She accused him of sexual and financial abuse in exchange for marriage pledges, as well as physical violence and mental harassment when she questioned his motivations. The case was filed in July 2025, under Section 69 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). While police conduct their inquiry, the Allahabad High Court has granted Dayal interim protection from arrest.

The Jaipur case has more serious claims. A lady claimed that Dayal raped her repeatedly for two years, beginning when she was 17. She alleged he lured her with promises to enhance her cricket career before assaulting her in a hotel during IPL matches.

Given the complainant's age at the time of the alleged incidents, the FIR contains provisions from both the POCSO Act and the BNS. While teams are not legally obligated to release players facing criminal charges, most sports organizations avoid keeping athletes under investigation for serious crimes such as rape and domestic assault.

As a result of the RCB's continuous support for Dayal, social media has erupted.

Here are some reactions from fans: