Manjrekar slams ICC, BCCI for going soft on disciplinary violations by youngsters

Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar has criticised the ICC and the BCCI for their handling of recent disciplinary violations by young players Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Yashasvi Jaiswal, saying that the two bodies are “training” them to repeat such behaviour by letting them get away with it.

Both Jaiswal and Sooryavanshi have been involved in heated on-field confrontations, with the former even defending his actions in the face of criticism.

“Dear @icc & @bcci Vaibhav for Ind A recently & now Jaiswal… if you keep letting them get away with such behaviour, you train them to repeat such behaviour. It’s not good for the sport & crucially their own future too,” Manjrekar wrote on ‘X’.

Jaiswal and Sri Lanka seamer Asitha Fernando were fined 25 per cent of their match fee for an on-field altercation on day one of the second Test in Colombo.

The duo was also handed a demerit point each.

They were involved in a showdown after Fernando dismissed Jaiswal in the 17th over of India’s first innings.

Jaiswal walked towards Fernando, and the two exchanged words, following which Fernando moved his head towards Jaiswal. In response, Jaiswal leant in, resulting in their heads making contact.

Before the start of play on day two, Jaiswal defended his actions, saying, “If you don’t know what he said, then please don’t make your judgment if anyone cross the line we need to let them know this India will fight and reply”.

In June, 15-year-old batting sensation Sooryavanshi was involved in a heated argument that almost led to a physical confrontation with a Sri Lanka A player after an ill-tempered end to a one-day tri-series, which India A lost following a Super Over.

Needing 17 to win in the Super Over, India managed only nine runs against slinger Kaguthas Mathulan. Sooryavanshi, who faced the last three deliveries from Mathulan, managed only six runs including a boundary.

Once the match got over, the Lankan team indulged in slightly exuberant celebrations as Sooryavanshi and his partner Suryansh Shedge walked back towards the pavilion.

TV cameras then caught Sooryavanshi angrily charging towards Mathulan before one of his teammates, Vishen Halambage, came in between.

It is believed, the trigger, in all likelihood, was something that the bowler said after having stopped Sooryavanshi successfully for three deliveries.

The Indian was seen pushing the fielder, who, in turn, tried to charge towards him. It was senior Sri Lankan international Niroshan Dickwella who came in between to prevent the situation from going out of hand.

The youngster was criticised for his behaviour but did not face any disciplinary action from the BCCI.