Vaibhav Sooryavanshi-Vishen Halambage Row (Source: X)
The controversy surrounding the India-A and Sri Lanka-A teams during the ongoing Tri-Nation A Series 2026 has continued to grow after a dramatic match in Dambulla.
The two players who have been in the limelight after the match (IND-A vs SL-A) are Indian star Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Sri Lankan player Vishen Halambage.
The match ended in a tie after SL-A successfully matched India A's total of 265 runs. With poor light becoming a concern, there was uncertainty over whether a Super Over would be played.
After lengthy discussions between the umpires, team officials, and players, it was decided that the match would be settled through a Super Over.
The drama did not end there. Sri Lanka A scored 16 runs in the Super Over, leaving India A with a target of 17. However, confusion erupted after the final ball of Sri Lanka's innings was initially considered legal before being later ruled a no-ball.
The decision led to further discussions between India A captain Tilak Varma and the match officials, increasing tensions on the field.
What Happened Between Vaibhav Sooryavanshi And Vishen Halambage?
The situation worsened after the Super Over concluded. According to reports, the tension between Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Vishen Halambage had been building throughout the series.
Halambage was allegedly involved in repeated verbal exchanges with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi during both matches between the two sides.
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As players began leaving the field after the IND-A vs SL-A match, Halambage is said to have approached Sooryavanshi and Suryansh Shedge. The young Indian eventually reacted physically, pushing the Sri Lankan player.
The confrontation could have escalated further had Sri Lanka A wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella not stepped in to separate the players.
Referee Suggests Disciplinary Action Against Indian Players
In a recent report by Sri Lankan journalist Rex Clementine, match referee Pradeep Jeyapragash recommended penalties for several players involved in the incident.
According to the report, Sooryavanshi and Halambage were recommended for 50% fines, while Tilak Varma and Niroshan Dickwella were also proposed for financial penalties.
Since A-team matches are unofficial fixtures, the responsibility for implementing sanctions lies with the respective cricket boards rather than the ICC.
"Following India ‘A’ - Sri Lanka ‘A’ game at Dambulla on Monday, Match Referee had suggested these fines for players; Halambago 50%, Sooryavanshi 50%, Tilak 30% and Dickwella 20%. In ‘A’ team cricket, it’s up to the respective boards to impose those sanctions."
However, reports from Sportstar stated that the BCCI has decided not to fine its players. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia clarified that the board does not want players distracted by off-field matters and wants them focused on the remainder of the tournament.
"We will let our players to concentrate on the tournament and they should not be distracted by any collateral issues," Saikia told Sportstar.
Sri Lanka Cricket Acts Against Vishen Halambage
It is important to mention that, according to the reports by Cricbuzz, the Sri Lanka Cricket has moved forward with disciplinary action.
Match referee Pradeep Jeyapragash has reportedly imposed sanctions on players involved in the controversy, with Vishen Halambage believed to be among those punished for his role in provoking the incident.
Interestingly, Niroshan Dickwella has also reportedly been fined, although the punishment is understood to be linked to a separate offence.
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