TNCA to take a call on Puducherry’s status in its AGM

“We will have to take a call on it in our general body meeting. All these years, Puducherry has been affiliated to the TNCA. As Puducherry is a Union Territory, the BCCI rules stipulate that the nearest and full associate member has to look after its affairs,” said Viswanathan. 

Thus far, Puducherry has been limited to participating in age group tournaments such as U-16, U-19 and U-23 and also at the associate and affiliate tournaments. The BCCI had already approved Puducherry as an associate member during its annual special general meeting (SGM), earlier this month. Elaborating his views on the development, Viswanathan said, “Puducherry has not been playing in any of the senior level tournaments. 

With it now being granted the status of a full member, it can break new ground by taking part in the Ranji Trophy.” Out of the three parties claiming to represent Puducherry in the BCCI, the COA decided the matter in favour of Cricket Association of Pondicherry (CAP).