A PROFESSIONAL cricketer has been charged with sexually assaulting a girl during a game.

Jai Prakash Yadav, 30, of Ribblesdale League club Blackburn Northern, was charged with indecent assault after answering police bail.

Yadav, who spoke out following his arrest on June 3 to deny the claims and vow to clear his name, has been given police bail to appear before Blackburn magistrates on July 27.

A police investigation was launched after a girl came forward following the second XI's Lawrenson Cup game against Settle in Blackburn on May 8.

Yadav was not playing in the game, which Blackburn won by three wickets, as the club professional does not appear for the second team.

Yadav, of Whalley Street, Blackburn, was arrested several weeks later.

A police spokesman said: "Jai Prakash Yadav has been charged with sexual assault and bailed to appear before Blackburn magistrates on July 27."

Yadav joined the Ribblesdale League club in May and has made a handful of appearances.

He missed the start of the season because he played in a benefit match for the Asian tsunami relief fund in the United Arab Emirates.

Yadav, who is known by his initials JP, is an all-rounder who represented India twice in one-day matches against the West Indies in 2002.

Speaking in early May, he said he was looking to impress selectors while playing for Blackburn Northern and regain his place in the India side.