Rajeev Nayyar, the 58‑year‑old head coach of the Chandigarh UT Cricket Association men’s team, was dragged from his car and assaulted by five men in a white SUV near Sector 97 on Friday evening. The incident took place shortly after 5 pm, when Nayyar was returning from a practice match held at the Launching Pad Academy located in the same sector. Eyewitnesses reported that the attackers blocked his vehicle, pulled him out and struck him repeatedly before fleeing the scene.
The Attack and Immediate Aftermath
Nayyar told police that the assailants arrived in a white coloured sport utility vehicle whose registration plate was missing, making immediate identification difficult. He said he did not recognize any of the five individuals and could not offer a motive for what he described as an unprovoked attack. The coach suffered bruises and minor injuries but was able to walk to a nearby clinic for first aid before filing a formal complaint at the Sohana police station.
Local residents said they heard raised voices and saw the SUV speeding away toward the industrial belt of Mohali. No weapons were reported, but the sheer number of attackers raised concerns about a planned act of intimidation rather than a random roadside altercation.
Background Controversy Within the Association
This assault comes at a turbulent time for Rajeev Nayyar. In November 2025, during the Chandigarh team’s tour to Indore for a BCCI premier domestic tournament match against Madhya Pradesh, assistant coach Sandeep Arora filed a complaint alleging that Nayyar had slapped and humiliated him in front of players. Following the allegation, the UTCA placed Nayyar on leave and initiated an internal inquiry. Though the inquiry did not result in a formal sanction, the episode strained relationships within the coaching staff and led to public speculation about his future with the association.
Since returning to his role, Nayyar has been tasked with preparing the Chandigarh squad for the upcoming Ranji Trophy season, which gets underway in October. Sources close to the team said he had been holding intensive net sessions at the Launching Pad Academy, the very venue where he was attacked on Friday.
Police Investigation and Legal Action
The Sohana police have registered a case of rioting against five unknown persons under the relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code. SHO Simarjeet Singh confirmed that investigators have traced the white SUV used in the attack, although the vehicle’s missing plate has delayed the identification of its owner. Forensic teams are examining CCTV footage from nearby cameras and interviewing staff at the Launching Pad Academy to establish a timeline of events.
Singh urged anyone with information about the assailants or the SUV to come forward, emphasizing that the case is being treated with priority given the victim’s position in state cricket. As of Saturday morning, no arrests have been made, but police said they are pursuing several leads and expect to make progress within the week.
Implications for Chandigarh Cricket and the Ranji Trophy Build‑up
The attack has cast a shadow over the UTCA’s preparations for the Ranji Trophy, a tournament where Chandigarh has historically punched above its weight. Team officials said they will review security arrangements for players and staff traveling to and from training venues, though they stressed that the on‑field programme will continue as scheduled. Senior batsmen and bowlers who have trained under Nayyar expressed concern for his well‑being but affirmed their commitment to the season ahead.
Analysts note that the timing of the incident could affect morale, especially as the squad looks to build on a modest performance in the previous Ranji season. With the first fixtures slated for early October, the coaching staff will need to regroup quickly. Supporters have taken to social media to condemn the violence and call for swift justice, while the broader cricket community watches to see how the association responds to this unprecedented off‑field crisis.