Punjab signs Umesh Yadav as guest player for 2026-27 Ranji Trophy

Punjab Cricket Association signed 38-year-old India pacer Umesh Yadav as a guest player for the 2026-27 domestic season, marking the first such appointment in PCA history. Yadav obtained a no-objection certificate from Vidarbha and will join Punjab's Ranji Trophy camp within days. PCA president Amarjit Mehta said the move targets the team's 34-year title drought and addresses the expected absence of Gurnoor Brar and Arshdeep Singh on India duty. Coach Amit Uniyal confirmed Yadav remains fit and will add experience to a young squad, though selection will depend on team combination each match. Punjab opens its campaign against Assam at New Chandigarh on October 11.