India A batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has found himself at the centre of controversy after being involved in a heated on-field altercation during a dramatic tri-nation one-day series clash against Sri Lanka A in Dambulla.
The highly-rated youngster, who was expected to use the tournament as crucial preparation ahead of India’s upcoming tour of Ireland, became involved in a confrontation with Sri Lankan player Vishen Halambage following the conclusion of a tense encounter that was ultimately decided by a Super Over.
The incident occurred after Sri Lanka A edged India A in a nail-biting finish, with emotions running high as players from both sides reacted to the intense contest. Videos circulating on social media show tensions flaring between Sooryavanshi and Halambage, with the exchange reportedly escalating into physical contact.
Sri Lanka A wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella intervened quickly and helped separate the two players before the situation could worsen.
ICC Code Of Conduct Could Come Into Play
The incident may now come under the scrutiny of match referee Pradeep Jeyapragash, who will decide whether disciplinary action is warranted or whether the players should receive only a warning.
The clash potentially falls under Article 2.12 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which deals with inappropriate physical contact during an international match.
According to the ICC regulations, players can be found in breach of the code if they deliberately, recklessly or negligently make physical contact with another player, umpire, official or any other individual during a match.
The governing body’s guidelines state that factors such as intent, force of contact, avoidability of the incident and any resulting injury are taken into account while determining the severity of an offence.
As of now, no official sanctions have been announced.
Super Over Decides High-Scoring Thriller
The controversy came at the end of a gripping contest that required a Super Over to separate the two sides.
After the match finished tied at the end of the regulation 50 overs, Sri Lanka A posted 16 runs in the Super Over, putting India A under significant pressure.
In response, India A managed only nine runs as debutant fast bowler Kugathas Mathulan delivered an impressive performance under pressure. The young pacer, whose slingy bowling action has drawn comparisons with Sri Lankan star Matheesha Pathirana, successfully defended the target against Sooryavanshi and Suryansh Shedge to secure victory for the hosts.
Suryansh Shedge And Vipraj Nigam Rescue India A
Earlier in the match, India A produced a remarkable recovery after finding themselves in serious trouble at 143/7.
Suryansh Shedge and Vipraj Nigam stitched together a crucial 104-run partnership for the eighth wicket, helping India A recover from a precarious position and post a competitive total of 265.
Their counter-attacking stand transformed the game and gave India A a fighting chance after a top-order collapse.
Sadeera Samarawickrama Leads Sri Lanka A Chase
Chasing 266, Sri Lanka A were anchored by an impressive knock from Sadeera Samarawickrama, who scored a composed 93 runs to keep the hosts firmly in control for much of the innings.
However, India A fought back late in the chase, largely thanks to an outstanding spell from Arshad Khan. The left-arm pacer bowled a brilliant final over that dragged the match back into contention and eventually forced the game into a Super Over.
Despite India’s spirited comeback, Sri Lanka A held their nerve in the tie-breaker to clinch victory and move closer to securing a place in the tournament final.
India A Suffer Second Defeat In Three Matches
The defeat marked India A’s second loss in three matches in the tri-series.
The side, led by Tilak Varma, had earlier suffered a four-run defeat against Afghanistan through the DLS method in a rain-affected encounter.
India A had opened their campaign with a victory over the same Sri Lanka A side in another closely contested low-scoring match.
With qualification scenarios tightening and attention now shifting to possible disciplinary action following the altercation, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s on-field conduct is likely to remain under scrutiny in the coming days.