Sanctions imposed on players for Dambulla fracas

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has cracked the whip on players involved in disciplinary breaches during Monday's tri-series clash in Dambulla. Match referee Pradeep Jeyapragash has announced sanctions on players involved, with Vishen Halambage believed to be among the principal recipients.

Jeyapragash also imposed a fine on Niroshan Dickwella, who was the peacemaker in the Halambage-Vaibhav Sooryavanshi altercation. However, the sanction on the Sri Lanka A wicketkeeper was for a separate offence, possibly excessive appealing, and not directly related to the altercation.

It remains unclear whether sanctions have been imposed on Sooryavanshi, the Indian prodigy who was seen getting physical with Halambage after Sri Lanka A won the ill-tempered contest in near-darkness. Text messages to the India A team management and BCCI had not elicited a response.

There was no formal hearing. Jeyapragash (42), who played his only international match in 2005 against India, imposed sanctions based on on-field umpires' reports. His lone international appearance was an ODI at the same Dambulla venue.

There is regret within the Sri Lankan cricket community over the incident, particularly that an altercation between Indian and Sri Lankan players occurred on Sri Lankan soil.

The sanctions were imposed by SLC. The ICC has no role in the matter.

Bahutule says Sooryavanshi will learn with experience

India Senior team spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule weighed in on the incident: "I think it was an unfortunate incident. But we don't know how he was provoked. As far as I know Vaibhav, he is a very composed boy. Experienced coaches will make him understand. The Sri Lankan players should also be educated in terms of how they need to behave. He will learn. He's a young kid. I'm sure he will not repeat it."

Bahutule was speaking ahead of India's second ODI in Lucknow. India A are also scheduled to face Afghanistan A in Dambulla on the same day.