Punjab Signs 38-Year-Old Umesh Yadav as Guest Player for Ranji Trophy
· Sports · Times of India, Sportstar, timesofindia.indiatimes
Punjab have signed 38-year-old India pacer Umesh Yadav as a guest player for the 2026-27 domestic cricket season in an effort to end their 34-year Ranji Trophy drought. This marks the first time the Punjab Cricket Association has signed a guest player, following the receipt of a no-objection certificate from the Vidarbha Cricket Association. PCA president Amarjit Mehta stated that the decision focuses on strengthening red-ball cricket and compensating for the absence of fast bowlers Gurnoor Brar and Arshdeep Singh due to national team commitments. Yadav, who last played for India in the June 2023 World Test Championship final, is expected to join the Punjab Ranji camp within days. Punjab coach Amit Uniyal noted that Yadav's fitness and extensive experience will provide vital leadership to younger squad members.
Why it matters
Umesh Yadav's signing brings veteran fast-bowling experience to Punjab's domestic squad as they attempt to secure their first Ranji Trophy title since 1992.
Read the original report — Times of India
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