Pondicherry Cricketers Suspended Over Alleged Assault on State U-19 Coach
Three first-class cricketers from Puducherry have been suspended by the Cricket Association of Pondicherry following allegations of assaulting the state's U-19 coach, S Venkataraman, in December last year. The incident, reportedly stemming from non-selection for a domestic tournament, has led to police charges and an ongoing legal process.
The Cricket Association of Pondicherry (CAP) has suspended three of its first-class cricketers, J Karthikeyan, A Aravindaraj, and S Santhosh Kumaran, with immediate effect, following serious allegations that they assaulted the state's Under-19 team coach, S Venkataraman. The decision, confirmed by the state body in a statement issued on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, comes months after the alleged incident which occurred on 8 December 2025. The players face charges including attempt to murder and assault, with a formal charge sheet already filed. Viral Video Shows Kagiso Rabada Smoking Cigarette at Team Hotel.
Details of the Alleged Incident
As reported by India Today, the alleged assault took place on 8 December 2025, inside the indoor nets at the CAP complex. According to reports, the cricketers confronted Coach Venkataraman after their non-selection for the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) squad.
In his police complaint, Venkataraman stated that Aravindaraj held him while Karthikeyan used a bat, allegedly striking him with the intent to kill. The coach sustained severe injuries, including a head injury requiring 20 stitches and a fractured shoulder. An FIR (100/2025) was lodged at the Sedarapet police station, and the matter is currently pending before the Judicial Magistrate-IV Court Puducherry.
Association's Action and Player Background
The CAP's suspension means the trio are prohibited from entering any of the association's campuses or utilising its facilities. All three players have been regular fixtures in Puducherry's domestic circuit, having represented the union territory in premier Indian competitions such as the Ranji Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy, and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Aravindaraj was also part of the squad in the most recent domestic season. The association's swift action underscores the gravity with which it views the allegations.
Broader Context and Previous Concerns
This incident has brought renewed scrutiny to the Cricket Association of Pondicherry. Reports from December 2025 highlighted alleged systemic manipulation within the CAP, suggesting that opportunities for Puducherry-born cricketers were being limited, with 'outstation players' allegedly being passed off as locals using forged documents. Virat Kohli’s Ex-Girlfriend Izabelle Leite Reacts to ‘Taste in Women’ Post After German Influencer LizLaz Like.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary, Devajit Saikia, had previously indicated that the BCCI would investigate these serious allegations. While the Bharathidasan Pondicherry Cricketers' Forum denied any role in instigating the attack, its president, Senthil Kumaran, claimed that Coach Venkataraman had a history of complaints and strained relationships with local cricketers.
The ongoing legal proceedings and the CAP's disciplinary action highlight the serious implications of player misconduct and the challenges faced by cricketing bodies in maintaining discipline and fairness within the sport. The outcome of the court case and any further investigations by the BCCI will be closely watched by the cricketing fraternity.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 22, 2026 08:14 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).