Cricket Association of Puducherry has suspended three players—J Karthiyeyan, A Aravindaraj and S Santhosh Kumaran—from all cricketing activities following their alleged involvement in an assault case concerning an Under-19 coach. The decision, effective immediately, bars the trio from participating in any cricket under CAP jurisdiction, marking a significant disciplinary development within the domestic circuit.
According to the official statement, the charges stem from an incident on December 8, 2025, involving alleged assault and attempt to murder of coach Venkataraman. The governing body confirmed that a formal chargesheet has been filed at Sedurapet Police Station, with proceedings currently pending before the Judicial Magistrate-IV Court in Puducherry. The suspension will remain in place until the court adjudicates the matter.
Disciplinary measures and restrictions
The CAP outlined a series of restrictions as part of its action. The players have been prohibited from entering the CAP Siechem campus in Tutipet and any other premises controlled by the association. Additionally, they are barred from representing Puducherry in domestic or external competitions in any capacity.
The sanctions extend beyond match participation, effectively removing the players from all administrative and cricket-related environments linked to the association. The governing body’s stance reflects a zero-tolerance approach in cases involving alleged criminal conduct, particularly when it concerns members of the coaching structure.
The statement further clarified that the suspension is conditional upon the legal outcome, with no timeline for reinstatement unless the accused are cleared of charges by the court.
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Team context and broader implications
The development comes at a time when Puducherry’s domestic performances have remained under scrutiny. In the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy season, the side finished sixth in Group D, managing only one win in seven matches.
While the disciplinary action is separate from on-field results, it adds to the administrative challenges faced by the team. The absence of three players could influence squad depth and selection stability in upcoming domestic fixtures.
With legal proceedings underway, the situation remains contingent on judicial findings. Until then, the CAP’s decision ensures that the matter is handled within both legal and sporting frameworks, maintaining procedural separation between competition and conduct.
