Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has made headlines once again. Previously, it was his batting exploits that grabbed attention. This time, however, it was for a very different reason.
The 15-year-old batting sensation
was involved in a heated altercation at the controversial conclusion of a Tri-Nation A Series match between India A and Sri Lanka A in Dambulla on Monday evening.
After the match ended in a tie, officials reportedly agreed to conduct a Super Over at the insistence of India A captain Tilak Varma. Sri Lanka A went on to win the one-over eliminator.
Chasing a target of 17 in the Super Over, India A sent out Sooryavanshi and all-rounder Suryansh Shedge. The pair was restricted to 9/0 by Kugathas Mathulan.
As Sooryavanshi was walking off the field, Sri Lankan fielder Vishen Halambage allegedly sledged him.
According to Cricbuzz, Halambage said, “Match over… now you go home…” and Sooryavanshi lost his cool as he turned back and charged at the Sri Lankan before shoving him. Sri Lankan players, including senior cricketer Niroshan Dickwella, quickly intervened and separated the two.
Will ICC Punish The Erring Players?
Notably, the International Cricket Council (ICC) neither appoints officials for ‘A’ series matches nor oversees disciplinary matters related to such games. However, there remains a possibility of action being taken against the players involved.
The publication further reported that the incident was discussed in the Sri Lanka A dressing room, where it was suggested that an apology could be offered to the Indian team.
Match officials have also come under scrutiny for allowing the Super Over to proceed despite reportedly insufficient light for such a contest to be held.
Earlier in the match, India A recovered from a batting collapse through a century partnership for the eighth wicket between Shedge (72 off 66) and Vipraj Nigam (51). The visitors were eventually bowled out for 265 in 49.2 overs.
India A was later penalised after Nigam was warned twice for running on the pitch, resulting in Sri Lanka A being awarded 10 runs.
The home side needed five runs to win off the final over, but India A managed to force a tie after Arshad Khan conceded only four runs. The match subsequently went into a Super Over, which Sri Lanka A won.
