The Puducherry Cricket Association has suspended three first-class cricketers from all cricket activities following allegations of serious assault. J Karthikeyan, A Aravindraj and S Santosh Kumaran have been charged with attempt to murder following the violent attack on Puducherry Under-19 head coach S Venkataraman.
Puducherry recently competed ranji trophy 2025-26 season. The team finished sixth in the Group D points table with just one win from seven matches. All three players were regular participants in major domestic tournaments including the Ranji Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
The case is currently pending before the Honorable Judicial Magistrate – Cricket Association of Puducherry
The incident is of 8 December 2025. Three cricketers S Venkatraman was allegedly attacked after being dropped from the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy squad. Following the attack, Venkatraman suffered severe head injuries and a shoulder fracture, leading to an immediate police investigation.
Estate manager-cum-facility in-charge AG Shanmugavel issued a detailed statement on Wednesday outlining the disciplinary action. Puducherry Cricket Association confirmed that the Seddurpet police station has filed a formal charge sheet, and the case is currently pending in the local judicial magistrate’s court.
“It has been brought to the attention of CAP that the players mentioned below are involved in a serious criminal matter, including allegations of attempt to murder and assault on CAP’s U19 coach Mr Venkatraman,” the CAP statement said.
“The incident occurred on 08-12-2025. A formal charge sheet has been filed by the Station House Officer (SHO), Sedurpet Police Station under FIR No. 100/2025, and the case is currently pending before the Honorable Judicial Magistrate – IV Court, Puducherry.”
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This suspension will remain in force until… – Cricket Association of Puducherry
Puducherry Cricket Association has taken strict action against J Karthikeyan, A Aravindraj and S Santosh Kumaran. The state body has banned the three players from entering any official premises or representing the state indefinitely.
“The said players have been suspended with immediate effect from all cricket activities conducted under the auspices of CAP. They are strictly debarred and barred from entering the CAP Sichem premises, Tootipet, Pondicherry and any CAP-controlled premises until further orders. They will not be allowed to represent CAP in any capacity in domestic or external cricket tournaments/activities.”
“This suspension will remain in force until the Hon’ble Court adjudicates on the matter and acquits the accused of all charges. CAP reiterates its zero-tolerance policy towards violence, indiscipline and unbecoming conduct towards players. The Association is strongly committed to ensuring a safe and professional environment for all players, officials and stakeholders.”
Puducherry Cricket under investigation as suspension continues
These restrictions will remain in place until the Judicial Magistrate IV Court acquits the three accused players of all pending criminal charges. However, the suspended players still have the right to challenge the decision by approaching the Ombudsman of the Puducherry Cricket Association for review.
In his police complaint, former secretary S Venkataraman accused Bharathidasan and Pondicherry Cricketers’ Forum secretary G Chandran of instigating the attack. J Karthikeyan played six matches, while A Aravindraj and S Santosh Kumaran represented Puducherry in previous Ranji Trophy games.
The controversy also highlights deeper problems in Puducherry cricket administration. The December 2025 report said that local players are not getting proper opportunities. Some outside players reportedly used fake certificates and addresses to get selected, reducing the chances for genuine local players from 2021.
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