New Delhi: Teenage batting sensation Vibhu Suryavanshi may find himself under scrutiny after an ugly post-match spat with a Sri Lankan player that 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 sealed victory in the Super Over. The incident has raised questions about whether match referee Pradeep Jaya Pragash will impose sanctions and what the ICC’s code of conduct says in such cases.
What actually happened after the match?
Chasing 17 runs, India A managed just nine runs in the Super Over, suffering their second straight defeat. Suryavanshi, who faced off the last three balls against slugger Kgothas Matulan, scored six runs, including a boundary, but failed to take his team home.As the Sri Lankan players celebrated wildly, television cameras captured an enraged Suryanesh walking back with his teammate Suryanesh Shadege. Moments later, the youngster suddenly charged towards Metholan, apparently reacting to something said by the bowler after successfully defending the target.Sri Lanka A player Vaishan Hilambage stepped in to defuse the situation, but Suryavanshi appeared to push him away. Helmbij tried to move towards the Indian batsman before senior international Nirushan Dakwila intervened and prevented matters from escalating further.Look:The young man was clearly disappointed as he headed back to the pavilion.Earlier in the evening, Suryavanshi had also had a lengthy discussion between captain Tilak Verma and the umpires over the rules of the Super Over before being removed by head coach Harishkesh Kanitkar.
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 rules, players can be found guilty if they intentionally, recklessly or negligently make physical contact with another player or official while walking, running or shouldering.The ICC considers a number of factors when determining the seriousness of a crime, including:
- (i) the context of the particular situation, including, without limitation, whether the contact was intentional (ie, intentional), negligent, negligent, and/or avoidable;
- (ii) Contact force
- (iii) any injury resulting from the person with whom the contact was made;
- (iv) the person contacted;
What can be the punishment of Suryavanshi?
Article 2.12 is generally classified as a Level 1 felony, although the severity of the incident ultimately determines the penalty.Possible restrictions include:
- A fine of up to 50% 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 in a 24-month period can lead to suspension.As of now, it is not clear whether match referee Pradeep Jayapragash will issue a formal ban or choose to let the matter pass with a warning.While emotions ran high after India’s heartbreaking defeat, the focus 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.
