Punjab’s board turned to experience, signing 38‑year‑old India pacer Umesh Yadav as a guest player for the 2026‑27 season.
Yadav, who has 55 Tests, 75 ODIs and nine T20Is under his belt, brings a Ranji title from Vidarbha and a bag of wickets for India.
The move comes as the state’s fast‑bowling core is on international duty; Gurnoor Brar and Arshdeep Singh are away, leaving a void.
Coach Amit Uniyal said Yadav’s fitness and experience will be a huge boost, though he may not play every match.
Punjab’s first fixture is against Assam on Oct 11 at New Chandigarh, a test of Yadav’s impact on the squad.