India legend’s nephew KICKED OUT as furious Pondicherry hand contract to Jayant Yadav

Armaan Jaffer, nephew of former India opener Wasim Jaffer, has been removed from his professional contract for the 2025–26 domestic season by the Cricket Association of Pondicherry (CAP). The 26-year-old reportedly faced this action after refusing to take part in pre-season inter-state fixtures across formats.

Armaan Jaffer last represented Mumbai in January 2023. The 26-year-old was part of India’s U19 World Cup squad in 2016. He has been playing for Whiston Cricket Club in the Yorkshire Champions League. In May, he requested an NOC from MCA to represent Pondicherry for the 2025-26 domestic season.

Pondicherry Selectors Criticize Armaan Jaffer for Skipping Pre-Season Fixtures

Pondicherry selector Thalaivan emailed Armaan Jaffer and his father. According to the Times of India, Jaffer was criticized for prioritizing club cricket in the UK over pre-season fixtures. He was informed that an alternate player had been selected.

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“Arman, We had informed you and your father on several occasions that it was important for you to participate in both the one-day and multi-day inter-state tournaments in Pondicherry," the contents of the email read.

“When senior cricketers from across other state teams have made themselves available, it is surprising that you have chosen to give priority to club cricket in the UK over these crucial inter-state pre-season preparatory matches. As already conveyed, we selectors have therefore decided to move forward with an alternate player. Accordingly, our offer to engage you as one of the guest players stands withdrawn.”

Armaan Jaffer Skips Pondicherry Pre-Season, India star Jayant Yadav Takes His Place

The report added that Jaffer was expected to report for Pondicherry’s Inter-State One-Day Tournament starting August 10, but chose to play club cricket in England. Jayant Yadav has been signed for the upcoming season and has joined the Senior Men’s Multi-day Tournament for the Siechem Trophy 2025.

"Armaan was asked to report before the Inter-State One-Day Tournament which was hosted by Pondicherry from Aug 10. However, he chose to play for a club in England instead. A few of our other players also play club cricket in England, but they’ve all returned to play in our pre-season tournaments,” a source told TOI.

"All of our selectors are very disappointed with Armaan for his refusal to play in our pre-season tournaments. He has taken Pondicherry cricket very lightly. He doesn't have a great record in the Ranji Trophy, but we placed our faith in his abilities since he's a Mumbai cricketer. We have signed up Jayant Yadav for the upcoming season instead, and Yadav has immediately agreed to play in our ongoing Senior Men's Multi-day Tournament for the Siechem Trophy 2025."

Armaan Jaffer’s Pondicherry Contract Ends Ahead of Pre-Season Matches

Armaan Jaffer has played 15 first-class matches, scoring 769 runs with three centuries and a fifty. He has 546 runs from 15 List A games, including one century and two fifties, while he added 27 runs in his only T20 outing.

Jaffer’s stint with Pondicherry ended abruptly just days before their practice matches. His father, Kalim Jaffer, revealed that Armaan had committed to an English club earlier this year, before Pondicherry approached him in May for pre-season games.

A formal request from Pondicherry arrived on July 22. Kalim said he asked for leeway so Armaan could first fulfill his obligations in England, and the batter had even booked return tickets to join practice matches on August 26.

However, the contract was cancelled on August 24. Kalim added that talks are underway with other domestic teams and that Pondicherry has lost the services of an in-form batter.

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