Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Sri Lankan Players Fined After Post-Match Clash in Dambulla

Indian and Sri Lankan cricketers face disciplinary action following a heated confrontation after a tied Tri-Nation A-team match in Dambulla on June 15. The incident, which occurred after a Super Over victory for Sri Lanka A, has led to match referee recommendations of significant fines for several players from both sides.

The match referee, Pradeep Jeyaprakash, has recommended a 50% fine on match fees for Indian batter Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Sri Lankan player Vishan Halambage. India A captain Tilak Varma faces a recommended 30% fine, while Sri Lankan wicketkeeper-batter Niroshan Dickwella has been recommended a 20% fine for alleged sledging. The penalties stem from a physical altercation that began after the match when Halambage allegedly made a comment to Suryavanshi, saying, "This is not the IPL, the match is over... now go home." This remark provoked Suryavanshi, who pushed Halambage, leading to a face-off that was diffused by players from both teams.

Reports indicate that the confrontation was not an isolated incident but the culmination of sustained sledging by some Sri Lankan players throughout the tournament, targeting Suryavanshi and others with remarks about their IPL performances. The match itself was a closely fought encounter, with India A posting 265 runs before Sri Lanka A matched the total, forcing a Super Over. The hosts scored 16 runs in the Super Over, while India A could only manage 9 runs in reply.

Disciplinary procedures for A-team matches differ from senior international cricket, as ICC rules do not automatically apply. The match referee's recommendations, based solely on umpire reports and without a formal hearing, have been forwarded to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Sri Lanka Cricket. Both boards will now decide whether to approve and enforce the proposed fines or impose additional sanctions, including a potential ban for Tilak Varma.

Suryavanshi has had a poor run in the series, scoring only 117 runs in four matches with a top score of 44. Meanwhile, India A has qualified for the tri-series final after defeating Afghanistan A by 101 runs in a must-win match on Wednesday.