Yash Punja (Emirati Cricketer (Batsman) Biography

Quick Info

Profession	Cricketer (Batsman, Bowler, Wicket-keeper)
Nationality	Emirati
Date of Birth	26/06/2006
Age	19 years
Birthplace	Abu Dhabi, UAE

Latest News about Yash Punja

19/04/2026

Yash Raj Punja made his IPL debut for Rajasthan Royals on April 19, 2026, against Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. Introduced as an Impact Player after RR scored 155/9, the 19-year-old leg-spinner bowled four overs, conceding 25 runs and taking the wicket of Ramandeep Singh with figures of 1/25. This marked him as the first UAE player to feature in an IPL playing XI.

Do you like Yash Punja?

You can vote only once.

Bio/Wiki

Real Name/Full Name	Yash Raj Punja
Famous for	Being first player from the UAE to feature in an IPL playing XI

Physical Stats & More

Height

6' 5" (196 cm)

Weight

70 Kg (154 lbs)

Body Measurements

Chest	38 Inches
Waist	32 Inches
Biceps	12 Inches

Eye Colour

Black

Hair Colour

Black

Cricket Jersey Number

#14 (IPL)

Batting Style

Right handed

Bowling Style

Legbreak, Googly

Domestic/State Team

Indian Premier League (IPL) | Rajasthan Royals (RR, 2026)

Educational Qualification(s)

School	Cambridge High School

Personal Life

Marital Status	Unmarried

Relationships & More

Marital Status	Unmarried

Family

Father	Dheeraj Punja
Mother	Shilpa Punja
Brother	Yodhin Punja (International cricketer for UAE, elder)

Career

Salary	Rs 30 lakh (from 2026 IPL contract)
Details	Yash Punja was born in Abu Dhabi, UAE, to a family of a good cricketing background. His elder brother Yodhin Punja was an international level cricketer who played in UAE. In 2015, Yodhin was the youngest male to play international cricket in UAE when he made his debut at the age of 16 years and 206 days. Yodhin was the captain of UAE under-19. Yash Punja grew up in Abu Dhabi and as a seam bowler became the first person to have to train in the sport. At Yodhin’s recommendation, he changed to leg-spin. In 2023, Punja relocated to Bengaluru to train in earnest, enrolling in Rahul Dravid’s cricket school. In 2025, he participated in Maharaja T20 Trophy, taking 23 wickets in 10 matches and was the second-highest wicket taker. He was picked by Rajasthan Royals as a net bowler. Rajasthan Royals purchased Punja at the base price of 30 lakh in the auction of the IPL 2026. Punja officially took part in IPL on 19 April 2026 against Kolkata Knight Riders in Eden Gardens, Kolkata.

Salary

Rs 30 lakh (from 2026 IPL contract)

Details

Yash Punja was born in Abu Dhabi, UAE, to a family of a good cricketing background.
His elder brother Yodhin Punja was an international level cricketer who played in UAE.
In 2015, Yodhin was the youngest male to play international cricket in UAE when he made his debut at the age of 16 years and 206 days.
Yodhin was the captain of UAE under-19.
Yash Punja grew up in Abu Dhabi and as a seam bowler became the first person to have to train in the sport.
At Yodhin’s recommendation, he changed to leg-spin.
In 2023, Punja relocated to Bengaluru to train in earnest, enrolling in Rahul Dravid’s cricket school.
In 2025, he participated in Maharaja T20 Trophy, taking 23 wickets in 10 matches and was the second-highest wicket taker.
He was picked by Rajasthan Royals as a net bowler.
Rajasthan Royals purchased Punja at the base price of 30 lakh in the auction of the IPL 2026.
Punja officially took part in IPL on 19 April 2026 against Kolkata Knight Riders in Eden Gardens, Kolkata.

Social Media

Instagram	https://www.instagram.com/yashpunja/
Facebook	https://www.facebook.com/yash.punja.790/

Some Lesser Known Facts

1. Yash Punja was advised against pursuing a professional cricket career, but he remained determined to continue.
2. His height of 6 feet 5 inches allows him to create extra bounce and turn out of the pitch.

Yash Punja Cricketer (Batsman, Bowler, Wicket-keeper) Emirati Abu Dhabi, UAE