Match referee recommends fines for Sooryavanshi, Tilak and two Sri Lankan players after Dambulla altercation

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (Photo Source: Sony LIV)

The match referee for the Sri Lanka A versus India A tri-series encounter has reportedly recommended fines for several players involved in an altercation following the conclusion of the match on June 15. The incident occurred after Sri Lanka A defeated India A in a Super Over contest that was played under fading light conditions.

According to the recommendations, Vishen Halambage and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi could face fines amounting to 50 per cent of their match fees. Meanwhile, Tilak Varma has been recommended for a 30 per cent fine, while Niroshan Dickwella could be fined 20 per cent of his match fee. However, the final decision on any disciplinary action rests with the respective cricket boards.

“Following India ‘A’ – Sri Lanka ‘A’ game at Dambulla on Monday, Match Referee had suggested these fines for players; Halambago 50%, Sooryavanshi 50%, Tilak 30% and Dickwella 20%. In ‘A’ team cricket, it’s up to the respective boards to impose those sanctions,” wrote Rex Clementine, Cricket writer at The Island on X.

Earlier, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) had taken disciplinary action against players for breaches of conduct, and match referee Pradeep Jeyapragash has now announced sanctions against those involved in the altercation.

Jeyapragash also imposed a fine on Niroshan Dickwella, despite the wicketkeeper-batter reportedly acting as a peacemaker during the confrontation. However, it is understood that Dickwella’s sanction was unrelated to the on-field incident and instead stemmed from a separate matter that drew international attention due to its unsavoury nature. The exact details of the breach have not been disclosed.

Meanwhile, there is a sense of regret within SLC circles over the events that unfolded after the match. Sources suggest that the disappointment stems not only from the altercation itself but also from the fact that it involved Indian and Sri Lankan players on Sri Lankan soil.

It is understood that the disciplinary measures were initiated solely by Sri Lanka Cricket, with the International Cricket Council (ICC) having no involvement in the process.

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