The Cricket Association of Puducherry has suspended three domestic cricketers from all activities following an alleged assault on Under-19 coach S Venkataraman, with the case escalating into attempted murder charges and currently under judicial review. According to The Indian Express, the dispute is linked to team selection for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in December 2025, where the players were not included in the squad.
CAP outlines charges and enforces immediate sanctions
In its official statement, the association detailed the seriousness of the case, stating, “It has been brought to the notice of CAP that the below-mentioned players are involved in a grave criminal case, including charges of attempt to murder and assault on Mr. Venkataraman, CAP’s U19 Coach.” The governing body confirmed that formal legal proceedings are underway, adding, “A formal charge sheet has been filed by the Station House Officer (SHO), Sedurapet Police Station, under FIR No. 100/2025, and the matter is currently pending before the Hon’ble Judicial Magistrate – IV Court, Puducherry.”
The disciplinary response was implemented with immediate effect, with the association stating, “The said players are hereby suspended with immediate effect from all cricketing activities conducted under the aegis of CAP.” It also imposed strict access restrictions, noting, “They are strictly prohibited & banned from entering the CAP Siechem campus, Tutipet, Pondicherry and any CAP-controlled premises until further orders.”
Further clarifying the scope of the sanctions, the board added, “They shall not be permitted to represent CAP in any capacity in domestic or external cricket tournaments/activities.” The duration of the suspension has been tied directly to the outcome of the case, with the association stating, “This suspension shall remain in force until the Hon’ble Court adjudicates the matter and clears the accused of all charges.”
Incident timeline and earlier reporting
The alleged assault took place on December 8, 2025, involving players J Karthikeyan, A Aravindaraj and S Santhosh Kumaran. In an earlier report by The Indian Express, Venkataraman was said to have sustained a head injury and a shoulder fracture, which led to a police complaint and the filing of a First Information Report at the Sedurapet Police Station.
Background scrutiny around domestic structure
An investigation published in December 2025 by The Indian Express highlighted concerns around representation of Puducherry-born players in domestic cricket. The findings pointed to structural issues within the system, including limited opportunities for local players in top-tier competitions.
Wider impact on Puducherry cricket setup
The development adds to ongoing challenges within the domestic setup, with Puducherry finishing sixth in Group D during the 2025–26 Ranji Trophy season after registering one win in seven matches. With three first-class players now suspended and legal proceedings unresolved, the association faces further disruption both on and off the field.
