India A Incur 10-Run Penalty for Running on the Pitch

India A were penalised 10 runs during their tri-series match against Sri Lanka A on Monday (June 15) after Vipraj Nigam ran through the protected area of the pitch twice, despite a prior warning.

On-field umpires Prageeth Rambukwella and Shantha Fonseka imposed two five-run penalties in the 34th and 37th overs respectively. The second incident occurred when Nigam guided a ball towards short third, set off for a run, and was sent back by non-striker Suryansh Shedge. In his attempt to return, Nigam ran through the middle of the pitch, over the protected area.

Nigam had committed a similar offence two overs earlier, and the umpires had already issued a warning. The repeat transgression led to five-run penalties, meaning Sri Lanka A began their chase with 10 runs already on the board.

Nigam played a key role in India A's recovery, adding 104 runs for the eighth wicket with Shedge after the visitors slumped to 143 for 7. He was run out for 51 off 49 balls, while Shedge scored 72 off 66 deliveries to lift India A to 265.

Earlier in the innings, Sri Lanka A also received a five-run penalty in the 16th over after keeper Niroshan Dickwella failed to collect a wide cleanly, with the ball hitting a stationary helmet behind him.