CoA grants Puducherry BCCI's associate membership status
Committee of Administrators has granted Associate Membership to the Cricket Association of Pondicherry (CAP) after going through the recommendations of the BCCI's affiliation committee. This development has meant that Puducherry can be a part of the Ranji Trophy – as early as next season.
Association of Puducherry (CAP) was not the only one who claimed to be representatives from Puducherry. Pondicherry Cricket Association - Kalaimani and Pondicherry Cricket Association - Velmurugan, had also tried their luck for associate membership. However, CoA’s decision came in the favour of the CAP.
"The COA is of the view that there is no reason not to accept the recommendation of the Affiliation Committee and grant affiliation to the CAP. The submission made and documents submitted by the claimants do not disclose any reason, let alone compelling reasons, to reject the Affiliation Committee's recommendation which has been made after two visits to Puducherry.
"Accordingly, the decision of the COA is that the CAP should be granted associate membership for the Union Territory of Puducherry," the CoA release stated as quoted by Cricbuzz.
Soon, Puducherry will be seen hosting domestic cricket in future and this development came as a big news for the cricket lovers in the region.
"We are delighted with the CoA verdict that picked us above two other contenders. It is the right decision and will really help the game grow in Puducherry," P Damodaran, CAP Secretary said to The Hindu.
"This means Puducherry will be allowed to play the Ranji Trophy next year. It's a big thing for cricket in the region and the players stand to benefit immensely. Puducherry can also now host both international matches and the Board's domestic games.
"An international cricket stadium was also in the pipeline," he added.