Manjrekar calls for stricter action against young cricketers' on-field misconduct

Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has urged the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to take firmer disciplinary action following recent on-field altercations involving young players Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Yashasvi Jaiswal. In a post on social media platform X, Manjrekar expressed concern that lenient treatment could encourage repeat behaviour.

“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 Tuesday.

The comment refers to two separate incidents. In the second Test between India and Sri Lanka in Colombo, Jaiswal and Sri Lankan pacer Asitha Fernando were involved in a heated exchange after Fernando dismissed Jaiswal on the opening day. Both players were fined 25 per cent of their match fees and handed one demerit point each by the ICC.

According to match footage, Jaiswal walked towards Fernando after being dismissed, and the two exchanged words. Fernando then moved his head towards Jaiswal, and Jaiswal leaned in, resulting in head contact. On the second morning, Jaiswal defended his actions, saying, “If you don't know what he said, then please don't make your judgment. If anyone crosses the line, we need to let them know this India will fight and reply.”

The other incident involved 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi during an India A match against Sri Lanka A in June. The match ended dramatically after a Super Over, with India A needing 17 runs but managing only nine. Sooryavanshi, who faced the final three deliveries, scored six runs. As the players walked off, television cameras captured Sooryavanshi angrily charging towards Sri Lanka A bowler Kaguthas Mathulan. A teammate intervened, and Sooryavanshi was seen pushing a fielder before being separated by senior Sri Lankan player Niroshan Dickwella.

It is understood that Sooryavanshi’s reaction followed a comment from Mathulan after successfully stopping the young batter. Despite the confrontation, the BCCI did not take any disciplinary action against Sooryavanshi. The incident drew criticism from several quarters, with Manjrekar now adding his voice.

Manjrekar’s remarks highlight a broader debate within cricket about discipline and the responsibility of governing bodies in shaping young players’ conduct. While some argue that age and inexperience should be considered, others believe that tolerating aggressive behaviour sets a poor precedent.

The ICC and BCCI have not yet responded publicly to Manjrekar’s comments. The demerit point system used by the ICC is designed to penalise repeated offences; accumulating a certain number within a period can lead to suspensions. In Jaiswal’s case, the fine and demerit point serve as a formal reprimand.

Both players are considered promising talents in Indian cricket. Jaiswal has established himself in the Test side, while Sooryavanshi is regarded as a future prospect. The incidents have sparked discussions about the need for mentorship and clear behavioural guidelines at the junior and international levels.

Neither the BCCI nor the ICC has indicated whether additional measures will be taken. For now, Manjrekar’s public appeal underscores growing concern among former players and observers about maintaining the spirit of the game.