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NEW DELHI: Teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi could find himself under scrutiny after an ugly post-match altercation with a Sri Lanka A player overshadowed India’s dramatic Super Over defeat in the tri-series clash.The 15-year-old prodigy, who has emerged as one of India’s brightest young stars, was involved in a heated exchange that escalated into physical contact after Sri Lanka A sealed victory in the Super Over. The incident has raised questions over whether match referee Pradeep Jeyapragash will impose sanctions and what exactly the ICC Code of Conduct says in such cases.
What exactly happened after the match?
India A had managed only nine runs while chasing 17 in the Super Over, suffering their second successive defeat. Sooryavanshi, who faced the final three deliveries from slinger Kaguthas Mathulan, scored six runs, including a boundary, but was unable to take his side home.As the Sri Lankan players celebrated wildly, television cameras captured an agitated Sooryavanshi walking back alongside partner Suryansh Shedge. Moments later, the youngster suddenly charged towards Mathulan, seemingly reacting to something said by the bowler after successfully defending the target.Sri Lanka A player Vishen Halambage stepped in to diffuse the situation, but Sooryavanshi appeared to push him. Halambage also attempted to move towards the Indian batter before senior international Niroshan Dickwella intervened and prevented matters from escalating further.WATCH:The teenager remained visibly frustrated as he headed back to the pavilion.Earlier in the evening, Sooryavanshi had also entered a lengthy discussion between captain Tilak Varma and the umpires over the Super Over regulations before head coach Hrishikesh Kanitkar pulled him away.
What does the ICC Code of Conduct say?
The incident could potentially fall under Article 2.12 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which deals with “inappropriate physical contact with a Player, Player Support Personnel, Umpire, Match Referee or any other person during an International Match.”According to the regulations, players can be found guilty if they deliberately, recklessly or negligently make physical contact by walking, running into or shouldering another player or official.The ICC assesses several factors while determining the seriousness of the offence, including:
- (i) the context of the particular situation, including, without limitation, whether the contact was deliberate (i.e. intentional), reckless, negligent, and/or avoidable
- (ii) the force of the contact
- (iii) any resulting injury to the person with whom contact was made
- (iv) the person with whom contact was made
What punishment could Sooryavanshi face?
Article 2.12 is generally classified as a Level 1 offence, although the severity of the incident ultimately determines the punishment.Possible sanctions include:
- A fine of up to 50 per cent of the player’s match fee.
- One or two demerit points on the player’s disciplinary record.
- An official reprimand or warning in less serious cases.
Accumulating four demerit points over a 24-month period can lead to suspension.As of now, it remains unclear whether match referee Pradeep Jeyapragash will issue formal sanctions or choose to let the matter pass with a warning.While emotions ran high after India’s heartbreaking loss, the spotlight has now shifted from the Super Over drama to whether one of Indian cricket’s most exciting young talents will face disciplinary consequences for his actions.
