Mumbai cricketer Armaan Jaffer has been put in a tough spot before the 2025-26 Indian domestic season after Cricket Association of Pondicherry (CAP) suddenly cancelled his contract as a 'Professional' player. This was done after his reported refusal to play Pondicherry's pre-season inter-state league matches alongside league cricket in England.
Pondicherry has quickly moved on, replacing Jaffer by signing seasoned India international Jayant Yadav. Yadav, who has six Tests and two ODIs under his belt for India, has already signed up to take part in Pondicherry's current Senior Men's Multi-Day Tournament for the Siechem Trophy 2025.
CAP's Strong Stand and Jayant Yadav's Selection
An email to Jaffer by CAP selector Thalaivan emphasized their disappointment:
"Arman, We had informed you and your father on several occasions that it was important for you to participate in both the one-day and multi-day inter-state tournaments in Pondicherry. When senior cricketers from across other state teams have made themselves available, it is surprising that you have chosen to give priority to club cricket in the UK… Accordingly, our offer to engage you as one of the guest players stands withdrawn."
A source from CAP informed TOI that Jaffer was set to report for pre-season games by August 10 but decided to see through his engagements with Whiston Cricket Club in England:
"All of our selectors are very disappointed with Armaan for his refusal to play in our pre-season tournaments… We have signed up Jayant Yadav for the upcoming season instead."
The move now renders Jaffer, a 26-year-old talented batter with 769 first-class runs, without a domestic side for the coming season.
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Family's Defense and Future Prospects
Armaan's father, Kalim Jaffer, came to the defense of his son, pointing out that his club engagements were inked considerably earlier than his Pondicherry contract:
"Armaan had signed up the contract with the English club in Feb, while he only signed up to play for Pondicherry in May. He could not have ditched his club."
Kalim further stated Armaan had plotted his comeback:
"Armaan wrote to the CAP that he would return to India and be available for Pondicherry's practice matches on Aug 26-28 and then Sept 1-3. He even booked his return ticket… On Aug 24, they cancelled his contract."
Even with this development, Kalim disclosed that they are negotiating with other state associations:
"It is Pondicherry’s loss. Armaan has been in tremendous form here. He has scored seven centuries and taken 30 wickets… Hopefully, something will work out.”
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Sagar Udeshi to Captain Pondicherry as Player-Coach
In another interesting turn of events, Pondicherry has made Sagar Udeshi, an old Mumbai spinner, captain, coach, and mentor for the Ranji Trophy for financial reasons. The 38-year-old has been a major figure in domestic cricket with 228 wickets at 18.89 in 41 first-class games.
A CAP official stated:
"We’ve had to take this decision due to budgetary constraints. Udeshi will be our captain-coach-mentor in the Ranji Trophy, but he may not play the white-ball tournaments."
The move is in tune with Pondicherry's bold restructuring plan, while Jaffer is left guessing about his future in the Indian domestic circuit.
