India batter Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sri Lanka pacer Asitha Fernando have both been fined by the International Cricket Council (ICC) following a heated incident during the opening day of the second Test in Colombo.
The two cricketers were each handed a 25 per cent fine on their match fees and received one demerit point after being found guilty of breaching the ICC Code of Conduct.
What Happened Between Jaiswal and Fernando?
The incident took place during the 17th over of India’s innings after Fernando dismissed Jaiswal.
Following his dismissal, Jaiswal approached the Sri Lankan bowler and the pair exchanged words. Fernando then moved his head towards the Indian batter, with Jaiswal responding by leaning forward.
The exchange resulted in the two players making head-to-head contact, prompting the match officials to review the incident.
The ICC determined that the incident fell under Article 2.12 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which covers inappropriate physical contact involving players, support staff, officials or other individuals during an international match.
Both Players Accept ICC Sanctions
Neither Jaiswal nor Fernando had committed a similar offence during the previous 24 months.
Both players admitted the breach and accepted the sanctions proposed by Andy Pycroft, a member of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees.
Since the players accepted the charges and penalties, no formal disciplinary hearing was required.
The sanctions mean both players will carry one demerit point on their disciplinary records, along with the financial penalty.
India and Sri Lanka Battle in Colombo
The incident came during an intense second Test between India and Sri Lanka as both sides continued their World Test Championship campaign.
India’s batting effort produced a strong total, with the visitors declaring on 503/9. Dhruv Jurel played a key role in the innings, finishing unbeaten on a century.
Rain later interrupted proceedings during the third session on the second day, adding another twist to an already competitive Test.
While the Jaiswal-Fernando confrontation briefly dominated attention, both teams remain focused on the larger contest and the valuable World Test Championship points at stake.
The ICC’s decision now closes the disciplinary matter, with both players receiving the same punishment for their involvement in the incident.
