The fallout from the dramatic India A vs Sri Lanka A match in Dambulla continues to make headlines, with Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) reportedly taking action against one of its own players following the heated on-field confrontation involving Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
According to reports, Sri Lanka A cricketer Vishen Halambage has been fined for his role in the altercation with the 15 years old Indian opener. The sanction was reportedly imposed by match referee Pradeep Jeyapragash based on reports submitted by the on-field umpires. However, unlike formal ICC disciplinary cases, no official hearing was conducted before the punishment was handed down.
Reports have also suggested that senior Sri Lankan wicketkeeper-batter Niroshan Dickwella received a separate sanction, although his case was reportedly unrelated to the specific incident between Vishen Halambage and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
The controversy followed an intense Super Over finish. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who was named the Most Valuable Player of IPL 2026 and became the youngest player in the tournament history to win the award, was tasked with a difficult challenge. India A needed 14 runs from the final three deliveries and the teenager was on strike. He managed two runs, then a boundary, before failing to score off the final ball, leaving India short of victory.
As Vaibhav Sooryavanshi walked back disappointed, celebrations from the Sri Lankan players reportedly became more aggressive. Several reports from India claimed that Vishen Halambage, a 21-year-old batting all-rounder, had repeatedly sledged the youngster about his IPL performances throughout the match.
While Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and teammate Suryansh Shedge initially appeared ready to move on, the situation escalated when Suryansh Shedge turned around to confront the Sri Lankan players. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi then joined the exchange and made contact with Vishen Halambage during the confrontation.
It remains unclear exactly what offence SLC cited while fining Vishen Halambage. Since these matches do not fall under ICC disciplinary regulations, the Sri Lankan board has handled the matter through its own procedures.
Meanwhile, the BCCI has chosen not to take any action against Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. The young batter is expected to be available for India A’s next match against Afghanistan A on Wednesday.
India senior men’s spin-bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule also addressed the incident, saying that players from both the teams should be guided on proper behaviour and conduct during competitive matches.
