Sri Lanka ‘A’ players sanctioned after heated India ‘A’ clash in Dambulla: Report

Dambulla, June 16 (SocialNews.XYZ) Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has reportedly taken disciplinary action against players involved in the ill-tempered India 'A' versus Sri Lanka 'A' tri-series clash in Dambulla on Monday, with match referee Pradeep Jeyapragash imposing sanctions following the controversial contest, said a report on Tuesday.

A heated exchange, which escalated into lengthy discussions and what seemed to be a physical confrontation between India's young batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Sri Lanka A's Vishen Halambage, overshadowed Sri Lanka A's win in the Super Over after both teams recorded an equal score of 265.

According to Cricbuzz, Halambage is among the prominent targets of the sanctions issued by JJeyapragash, a former Sri Lankan fast bowler and match referee of the game.

Curiously, Sri Lanka A wicket-keeper Niroshan Dickwella has also been fined, though it seemed that he was trying to calm the ongoing confrontation between Halambage and Sooryavanshi. Dickwella was fined for a separate violation.

The violation by the keeper isn't exactly stated; however, according to Cricbuzz, it might have been for excessive appeals.

It is not confirmed whether Sooryavanshi, who was seen physically nudging Halambage after the game concluded, before the exchange of words between the two, has been sanctioned or not.

There was no official hearing. Sri Lanka 'A' sources told Cricbuzz that they believed Jeyapragash issued the sanctions based solely on the on-field umpires' reports.

The 42-year-old referee, whose lone appearance for Sri Lanka was against India in 2005, issued the sanctions at the very ground where he made his sole international appearance.

Source: IANS