BCCI decides its fate as it recommends a huge fine against Vaibhav Suryavanshi; Tilak Pharma has not spared
Board of Control for Cricket in India (Bank of Credit and Commerce International) A difficult decision has been made regarding the fate of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Tilak Pharmawho were at the heart of the fallout from India A’s tense match against Sri Lanka A in Dambulla last Monday. Stiff punishments have reportedly been recommended against both players, although the final decision now lies with the Indian board.
According to a report in Sports starsmatch referee Pradeep Jayapragash, who officiated the controversial match, recommended a fine of up to 50 per cent of the match fee to Suryavanshi for his involvement in a physical altercation with Sri Lanka batsman Vishen Halambaj. India skipper Tilak was also recommended for disciplinary action, with a fine of 30% of the match fee being imposed.
Sooryavanshi was seen shoving Halambage after an ugly exchange between several Sri Lanka A players at the conclusion of the match which the home team won in the Super Over. Great Sri Lankan international player Niroshan Dickwella was forced to intervene and separate the players before the situation escalated further. Media reports had previously claimed that Halambaj had been skating to Sorevanshi repeatedly throughout the tour, including during the first meeting between the two sides on June 9.
Meanwhile, Tilak was involved in two long and heated confrontations with the on-field umpires. The first came when the match officials informed the Indian camp that the Super Over might not be possible due to fading light. The second came after a no-ball call on the final delivery of the Super Over innings for Sri Lanka A, a decision that sparked strong protests from the India A captain.
The report also said that unlike senior international cricketers where disciplinary matters fall under the jurisdiction of the ICC, punishments in first-team matches are determined by the relevant cricket boards. Only the match referee can make recommendations, which boards may choose to endorse and implement. No formal hearing was held, with penalties proposed based on reports from on-field referees.
Earlier this week, news agency PTI reported that both Halambagh and Dickwella had also been penalized by Sri Lanka Cricket’s appointed match referee, albeit for separate offences. Dickwella was penalized for excessive appeal, while Halambaj was penalized for provocative remarks directed at Indian batsmen after Sri Lanka A’s Super Over win, comments that reportedly sparked the confrontation with the 15-year-old Indian batting prodigy.
