Why Were Puducherry Cricketers Infuriated Over SMAT Squad Exclusions?
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Synopsis
In a shocking incident, the Under-19 head coach of the Cricket Association of Pondicherry was brutally assaulted by three local players over their exclusion from the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy squad. This violent confrontation has raised significant concerns about player behavior and the culture within local cricket associations.
Key Takeaways
- Incident Highlights: The assault on Venkataraman reflects escalating tensions in local cricket.
- Player Conduct: The behavior of the players raises questions about sportsmanship and respect.
- Community Response: The cricket community is divided over the incident and the coach's past conduct.
- Legal Proceedings: An FIR has been filed, and the police are investigating.
- Future Implications: Such incidents may impact player selection and association policies moving forward.
New Delhi, Dec 10 (NationPress) - The Under-19 head coach of the Cricket Association of Pondicherry (CAP), S Venkataraman, was reportedly attacked by three local cricketers who were furious about not being selected for the team participating in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
The incident, which took place around 11 am inside the indoor nets at the CAP complex, left Venkataraman with a significant head injury requiring 20 stitches and a fractured shoulder, as reported by the Indian Express.
Sub-Inspector S Rajesh confirmed the incident, stating, “Venkataraman received 20 stitches on his forehead, but he is stable. The involved players are currently at large, and we are attempting to locate them. Additional details will be provided as they become available.”
An FIR has been filed at the Sedarapet police station. In his report, Venkataraman identified three local players: senior cricketer Karthikeyan Jayasundaram and first-class players A. Aravinddaraj and S. Santhosh Kumaran as the aggressors. He further alleged that G. Chandran, secretary of the Bharathidasan Pondicherry Cricketers’ Forum, incited the attack.
According to Venkataraman’s complaint, “On December 8, 2025, at around 11 am, I was in the indoor nets at the CAP complex when Pondicherry senior cricketers Karthikeyan, Aravinddaraj, and Santhosh Kumaran confronted me, verbally abusing me and blaming me for their exclusion from the SMAT squad.
“While Aravinddaraj restrained me, Karthikeyan grabbed the bat from Santhosh Kumaran and assaulted me with the intent to kill. They struck me while claiming that Chandran had instructed them to do so, promising they would receive a spot on the team only if I were harmed.”
However, Senthil Kumaran from the Bharathidasan Pondicherry Cricketers’ Forum refuted the allegations against Chandran, asserting, “Venkataraman has a history of complaints against him. He has been known to speak rudely to local cricketers, using inappropriate language. His animosity towards Chandran is widely recognized, especially since we have persistently raised numerous issues with the BCCI over the past seven years.”
Point of View
We stand by the principles of fair play and accountability in sports, urging authorities to address such violent behavior decisively.
NationPress
11/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to the attack on the coach?
The attack was motivated by the anger of three local cricketers over their non-selection for the SMAT squad.
What injuries did the coach sustain?
The coach suffered a head injury requiring 20 stitches and a fractured shoulder due to the assault.
Have the attackers been arrested?
As of now, the attackers are absconding, and the police are actively trying to locate them.
What does the FIR state?
The FIR names the attackers and alleges that one of them was instigated by a local cricket association secretary.
What is the response from the cricket community?
There are mixed reactions, with some defending the coach while others criticize his past behavior towards local players.
