3 Puducherry cricketers suspended after attack on U-19 coach; attempt to murder charges filed

The Cricket Association of Puducherry has suspended three first-class cricketers from all cricket activities following serious assault allegations. J Karthikeyan, A Aravindaraj, and S Santhosh Kumaran are facing attempted murder charges after a violent attack on Puducherry Under-19 head coach S Venkataraman.

Puducherry recently competed in the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 season. The team finished sixth in the Group D points table with just one win in seven matches. All three players were regular participants in major domestic tournaments, including the Ranji Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy, and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

Matter Currently Pending Before the Hon'ble Judicial Magistrate - Cricket Association of Puducherry

The incident occurred on December 8, 2025. The three cricketers allegedly assaulted S Venkataraman after being excluded from the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy squad. Following the attack, Venkataraman suffered a serious head injury and a fractured shoulder, leading to an immediate police investigation.

Estate Manager-cum-Facility In-charge A. G. Shanmugavel released a detailed statement on Wednesday outlining the disciplinary action. The Puducherry cricket association confirmed that Sedurapet Police Station filed a formal chargesheet, and the case is currently pending before the local judicial magistrate's court.

“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 CAP Statement read.

"The incident occurred on 08-12-2025. 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.”

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This Suspension Shall Remain in Force Until... - Cricket Association of Puducherry

The Cricket Association of Puducherry has taken strict action against J Karthikeyan, A Aravindaraj, and S Santhosh Kumaran. The state body has banned the three players from entering any official premises or representing the state indefinitely.

“The said players are hereby suspended with immediate effect from all cricketing activities conducted under the aegis of CAP. They are strictly prohibited & banned from entering the CAP Siechem campus, Tutipet, Pondicherry and any CAP-controlled premises until further orders. They shall not be permitted to represent CAP in any capacity in domestic or external cricket tournaments/activities.”

“This suspension shall remain in force until the Hon'ble Court adjudicates the matter and clears the accused of all charges. CAP reiterates its zero-tolerance policy towards acts of violence, indiscipline, and conduct unbecoming of sportspersons. The Association remains firmly committed to ensuring a safe and professional environment for all players, officials, and stakeholders.”

Puducherry Cricket Under Scrutiny as Suspensions Continue

These sanctions will remain in force until the Judicial Magistrate IV Court clears the three accused players of all pending criminal charges. However, the suspended players still have the right to challenge the decision by approaching the Cricket Association of Puducherry Ombudsman for review.

In his police complaint, former secretary S Venkataraman accused Bharathidasan Pondicherry Cricketers’ Forum secretary G Chandran of instigating the attack. J Karthikeyan played six matches, while A Aravindaraj and S Santhosh Kumaran represented Puducherry in previous Ranji Trophy games.

This controversy also shows deeper problems in Puducherry cricket administration. Reports from December 2025 said local players were not getting fair chances. Some outstation players allegedly used fake certificates and addresses to get selected, reducing opportunities for genuine local players since 2021.

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