Sri Lanka Cricket sanctions players after heated India A clash in Dambulla

Sri Lanka Cricket has handed down punishments to players for disciplinary breaches that occurred during the tri-series match between Sri Lanka A and India A in Dambulla. Match referee Pradeep Jeyapragash announced sanctions against the players involved in the altercation, with Vishen Halambage believed to be among those receiving the most severe penalties.

According to Cricbuzz, Jeyapragash also fined Niroshan Dickwella, despite his role as a peacemaker during the confrontation. However, it is understood that Dickwella’s sanction was unrelated to the on-field altercation and instead stemmed from a separate incident that attracted international attention due to its unsavoury nature. The exact nature of his breach has not been disclosed.

Reports suggest that no formal hearing was conducted. Instead, Jeyapragash imposed the sanctions based on reports submitted by the on-field umpires. Interestingly, Jeyapragash’s only international appearance as a player came in an ODI against India in 2005 at the same venue where the match was played.

Meanwhile, there is a sense of regret within the Sri Lankan cricket community regarding the events that unfolded on Monday evening. Sources indicate that the disappointment stems not only from the altercation itself but also from the fact that the incident involved Indian and Sri Lankan players on Sri Lankan soil. It is understood that the sanctions were imposed by SLC, with the International Cricket Council (ICC) playing no role in the disciplinary process.

It remains unclear whether any action has been taken against Indian youngster Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who was seen getting physical with Halambage after the conclusion of the ill-tempered contest, which Sri Lanka A won in near-darkness. The management of the Indian senior team is also understood to have commented on the incident involving Sooryavanshi.

“I think it was an unfortunate incident. But we don’t know how he was provoked. Because as far as I know Vaibhav, he is a very composed boy. I’m sure there are experienced coaches there who will make him understand. And I think the Sri Lankan players should also be educated in terms of how they need to behave. And so does it go with us. We will make sure that information is given to him as to why that happened. But he will learn. He’s a young kid and going forward, some sort of understanding will be there with him. I’m sure he will not repeat it,” said Sairaj Bahutule as quoted by Cricbuzz.