Will Vaibhav Sooryavanshi face ICC action? What the Code of Conduct Says After Pushing Sri Lanka’s A Player
NEW DELHI: Teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi could find himself under scrutiny after an ugly post-match altercation with a Sri Lankan A player overshadowed India’s dramatic Super Over defeat in the three-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 about 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 managed just nine runs while chasing 17 in the Super Over and suffered their second straight defeat. Facing the last three deliveries from slinger Kaguthas Mathulan, Sooryavanshi scored six runs, including a boundary, but failed to get home.As the Sri Lankan players celebrated wildly, television cameras caught a distraught Sooryavanshi returning alongside partner Suryansh Shedge. Moments later, the youngster suddenly lunged 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 over. Halambage also tried to move towards the Indian batter before hitting tall international Niroshan Dickwella to prevent matters from escalating further.WATCH:The teenager was left visibly frustrated as he headed back to the pavilion.Earlier in the evening, Sooryavanshi also entered into a lengthy discussion between captain Tilak Varma and the umpires regarding the Super Over rules before being pulled off by head coach Hrishikesh 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 staff, referee, match referee or any other person during an international match”.Under the regulations, players can be found guilty if they intentionally, negligently or negligently come into physical contact by walking, running into, or shouldering another player or official.The ICC considers several factors in determining the gravity of a crime, including:
- (i) the context of the particular situation, including, but not limited to, whether the contact was intentional (i.e. intentional), careless, negligent and/or avoidable
- (ii) contact force
- (iii) any consequential injury to the person with whom the contact was made
- iv) the person with whom the contact was established
What punishment could Sooryavanshi face?
Article 2.12 is generally classified as a Level 1 offence, although the seriousness of the incident ultimately determines the punishment.Possible sanctions include:
- A fine of up to 50 percent of the player’s match fee.
- One or two negative points on the player’s disciplinary record.
- Formal warning or warning in less serious cases.
Accumulation of four demerit points in a 24-month period may result in suspension.It is not yet clear whether match referee Pradeep Jeyapragash will issue a formal sanction or decide to let the matter go through with a warning.While emotions ran high after India’s heartbreaking loss, 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.