"Puducherry Cricketers Suspended for Assault on Coach, Face Attempted Murder Charges"

Local Cricketers Suspended for Allegedly Assaulting Coach Over Team Exclusion

Three local cricketers have been suspended from all cricketing activities by the Cricket Association of Puducherry (CAP) following allegations of assault on Under-19 coach S Venkataraman. The incident reportedly occurred after the players were not included in the team for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in December 2025.

The players in question, J Karthiyeyan, A Aravindaraj, and S Santhosh Kumaran, are accused of assaulting coach Venkataraman, resulting in a head injury and shoulder fracture. An FIR was filed against the trio at the Sedurapet police station.

An investigation by The Indian Express published in December 2025 shed light on the alleged systematic denial of opportunities for Puducherry-born cricketers in domestic games. The report highlighted how outstation players were reportedly passing off as locals through fake documents.

Since 2021, only five local players have represented Puducherry in the Ranji Trophy, raising concerns about the fairness of selection processes within the CAP.

In response to the allegations and pending legal proceedings, CAP has taken swift action by suspending the three players involved. They are prohibited from participating in any cricketing activities and entering CAP-controlled premises until further notice.

The players are also barred from representing CAP in any capacity in domestic or external tournaments until the court clears them of all charges.

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