Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Super over controversy
New Delhi: India A batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has come under scrutiny during the ongoing tri-series in Sri Lanka after an alleged altercation with a Sri Lankan player following his team's dramatic Super Over defeat to Sri Lanka A.
The 15-year-old, who has earned widespread praise for his performances in recent months, is now making headlines for reasons beyond his batting as match officials review his conduct during and after the match.
India A needed 17 runs to win in the Super Over but managed only nine against disciplined bowling from Sri Lanka A pacer Kughathas Mathulan.
Sooryavanshi faced three deliveries, scoring six runs, including a boundary, but could not guide his side to victory as Sri Lanka A secured a thrilling win.
The controversy did not end with the defeat. Reports suggest Sooryavanshi was involved in a confrontation with a Sri Lankan player after the match, an incident that has sparked debate over whether disciplinary action could follow.
Earlier in the contest, the teenager was also seen questioning a third-umpire decision that awarded a no-ball on the final delivery of Sri Lanka A's Super Over.
While India A captain Tilak Varma discussed the ruling with match officials, Sooryavanshi reportedly joined the conversation from the dugout. The situation escalated to the point where head coach Hrishikesh Kanitkar had to intervene and pull him away.
As of now, match referee Pradeep Jayaprakash has not announced any sanctions against the youngster.
However, cricket experts believe the incidents could be reviewed under the ICC Code of Conduct. Depending on the findings, penalties may range from fines and demerit points to a suspension if officials determine the offence was serious.
Under Article 2.12 of the ICC Code of Conduct, inappropriate physical contact involving players, support staff, umpires or match officials constitutes an offence.
When assessing such incidents, match referees consider factors such as intent, avoidability, the degree of force used and whether any individual was harmed.
A recent example came during the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy when Virat Kohli was penalised for a Level 1 offence involving physical contact and a verbal altercation with an opponent.
If officials conclude that Sooryavanshi's actions were deliberate, the teenager could face disciplinary measures under the ICC's framework.
