India A batsman Vaibhav Suryavanshi has come under the scanner after his altercation with Sri Lanka A player Vishen Halambaj after the triangular A series match. The incident has sparked discussion over whether the young batsman could face disciplinary action under the tournament’s player conduct rules.
The incident occurred during a one-day tri-series match between India A and Sri Lanka A at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on Monday, July 15. After India A scored 265 runs in 49.2 overs in the first innings, Sri Lanka A scored 265/9 in 50 overs. Sri Lanka A later won in the Super Over.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi got into an argument after the tense Super Over ended
Vaibhav Suryavanshi had a fight with Visen Halambaj After a dramatic finale in Dambulla. The match ended under low light conditions and intense pressure. The confrontation began when Halambage allegedly made a comment towards Suryavanshi after Sri Lanka A’s win.
The India A batsman reacted by confronting the fielder and the situation quickly turned into a slightly physical clash. Before matters could escalate, Sri Lanka A wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella intervened and helped separate the two players.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi faced a tough outing, scoring 21 runs in 14 balls with the help of three fours and a six before being dismissed. The result marked India A’s second consecutive defeat in the tournament after losing by four runs to Afghanistan A via the DLS method.
ICC code of conduct prohibits inappropriate physical contact between players
The ICC Code of Conduct states that players should avoid any type of inappropriate physical contact on the field. The rules state that a player can be found in breach if he intentionally, recklessly or negligently makes physical contact with another player or an umpire.
“Inappropriate physical contact of any kind is prohibited in cricket. Without limitation, players will breach this rule if they knowingly, recklessly and/or recklessly walk or run into or shoulder another player or an umpire.
When assessing the seriousness of the breach, the following factors (without limitation) will be taken into account: (i) the context of the particular situation, including, without limitation, whether the contact was intentional (i.e. deliberate), reckless, negligent and/or avoidable; (ii) force of contact; (iii) any consequential injury to the person who was contacted; and (iv) the person with whom the contact was made.”
Match Referee Pradeep Jayapragash will review the incident and decide whether disciplinary action is required under Article 2.12 of the ICC Code of Conduct. If it feels the warning is sufficient, it has the power to issue a ban, impose a fine or take no further action.
Sri Lanka secure top spot in tri-series standings after securing win in Super Over
India A captain Tilak Verma reportedly supported the decision to play the Super Over despite concerns over the deteriorating light in Dambulla. He believed his team could still compete effectively and wanted the match to be decided on the field.
Arshad Khan bowled a super over for India A and gave 16 runs. Chasing 17 to win, Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Suryansh Shedge opened the batting but could only manage nine runs against Sri Lanka A pace bowler Kugathas Mathulan.
The win took Sri Lanka A to the top of the triangular A series table with four points. The tournament will also serve as important preparation for India A ahead of the upcoming tour of Ireland.
