In a setback to his career, Mumbai batter Armaan Jaffer’s contract with the Cricket Association of Pondicherry (CAP) for the 2025-26 domestic season has been cancelled after his alleged refusal to play in pre-season inter-state tournaments.
The 26-year-old Jaffer, who had secured an NOC from the Mumbai Cricket Association in May to represent Pondicherry, is currently playing league cricket in England for Whiston Cricket Club. CAP has now roped in India international Jayant Yadav as his replacement.
📌 Why Was Jaffer’s Contract Cancelled?
CAP officials stated that Jaffer was repeatedly asked to participate in Pondicherry’s pre-season one-day and multi-day inter-state tournaments, but he prioritised club commitments in the UK.
In an email, a CAP selector wrote:
“It is surprising that you have chosen club cricket in the UK over crucial inter-state preparatory matches. Our offer to engage you as a guest player stands withdrawn.”
A CAP source added that while some other players also play club cricket in England, they had returned in time for Pondicherry’s pre-season, unlike Jaffer.
📌 Armaan’s Defence
Jaffer’s father, Kalim Jaffer, defended him, saying Armaan had signed his UK club contract in February—before signing with Pondicherry in May—and could not abandon his commitments.
“Armaan wrote to CAP that he would be available for practice matches from August 26 onwards and had even booked his return ticket. Yet, on August 24, his contract was cancelled,” Kalim said.
He further stressed that Armaan has been in top form in England, scoring seven centuries and taking 30 wickets this season, and revealed that they are in talks with 3-4 other domestic teams.
📌 Jayant Yadav Steps In
With Armaan’s exit, CAP has signed Jayant Yadav, the 35-year-old off-spinning all-rounder who has represented India in 6 Tests and 2 ODIs. Yadav will immediately feature in Pondicherry’s ongoing Senior Men’s Multi-Day Siechem Trophy 2025.
📌 Sagar Udeshi’s Triple Role
In another development, CAP has decided to appoint veteran left-arm spinner Sagar Udeshi as captain, coach, and mentor for the upcoming Ranji Trophy season due to budget constraints.
Udeshi, who has 228 wickets in 41 first-class matches, will lead Pondicherry in red-ball cricket while taking up coaching and mentoring duties in the white-ball formats.
✅ Conclusion
The decision marks a major setback for Armaan Jaffer, who now faces uncertainty ahead of the domestic season. While Pondicherry banks on Jayant Yadav’s experience and Sagar Udeshi’s leadership, Jaffer may still find a new team, given his form in English league cricket.
