SportsPosted at: Oct 1 2026 11:32PM


India pacer Umesh Yadav joins Punjab, ends 17-yr association with Vidarbha Cricket Association

Nagpur, Oct 1 (UNI) Veteran India pacer Umesh Yadav has joined Punjab as a guest player for the 2026-27 domestic cricket season, bringing an end to his 17-year association with Vidarbha Cricket Association (VCA), he confirmed today.
The move marks a significant chapter in the career of the 39-year-old fast bowler, who rose from Nagpur's cricketing circuit to represent India at the highest level.
Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) has roped in Yadav in a bid to strengthen its pace attack as it seeks to end a long wait for the Ranji Trophy.
Notably, he becomes the first guest player signed by the association.
Yadav had recently obtained a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the VCA after informing the body of his decision to represent another state team.
He had stated that the move was taken after careful consideration and that he still believed he could contribute significantly to domestic cricket.
Having made his first-class debut for Vidarbha in 2008, Yadav played a key role in the team's rise in Indian domestic cricket and was instrumental in its Ranji Trophy successes.
His performances for Vidarbha earned him a place in the Indian team, for which he went on to play 141 international matches across formats.
Widely known as the "Vidarbha Express", Yadav's departure marks the end of an era for Vidarbha cricket.
The veteran pacer, who has 124 first-class appearances and 380 wickets to his name, insisted that he still has plenty to offer on the field.
"I know how much cricket is left in me and I will give my 100 per cent for Punjab," he added.
The experienced speedster is expected to bring leadership and experience to the Punjab side in the upcoming domestic season.
UNI PK SS
Tags: #India pacer Umesh Yadav joins Punjab# ends 17-yr association with Vidarbha Cricket Association
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