BCCI's direct message to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi after fight with Sri Lankan players: 'Media watch...'

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has sent a clear and calm message to India A players, including teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, following an on-field altercation during the ongoing tri-series in Sri Lanka.

The incident took place during India A's match against Sri Lanka A in Dambulla, where a tense moment broke out after the game ended in a Super Over finish. After Sri Lanka sealed a thrilling win, emotions took over and Sooryavanshi and Suryansh Shedge were seen getting involved in a heated exchange with Sri Lankan cricketers following on-field sledging.

Saikia's message for India A players

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia has now reacted to the matter and made it clear that the board does not want young players to get distracted by such incidents during an important tournament. “India ‘A’ are playing a major tournament and all these youngsters are staking a claim for the senior team. They should concentrate on their game rather than getting distracted by collateral issues,” Saikia told TOI.

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He added that the main focus for the team should remain performance and results rather than external controversies. “Our only concern is that they give their best and help India win the tri-series. At this stage, the players should focus solely on their cricket,” he said.

Saikia also clarified that the BCCI is not interfering directly in the issue. “It is not our duty to speak to players on such matters. The players, support staff and coaches are focused on the series. We don’t want them distracted by issues that are not of paramount importance. India’s performance and success in the tri-series remain our focus,” he added.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has reportedly imposed sanctions on its players involved in the scuffle. According to Cricbuzz, match referee Pradeep Jeyapragash took disciplinary action following the heated exchange, with Sri Lankan batter Vishen Halambage among those penalised.

The clash had erupted after Sri Lanka A edged India A in a Super Over thriller on Monday. Sooryavanshi, who was at the crease with India needing 14 runs off the final three deliveries, failed to pull off the chase.

India A will next face Afghanistan A in a must-win encounter as they look to stay alive in the tri-series and reach the final.