India batter Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sri Lanka fast bowler Asitha Fernando have been sanctioned by the International Cricket Council (ICC) following their confrontation during the opening day of the second Test in Colombo.
Both players were fined 25 per cent of their match fees and received one demerit point after admitting to a Level 1 breach of the ICC Code of Conduct. The offence falls under Article 2.12, which covers inappropriate physical contact between players.
What happened between Jaiswal and Fernando?
The incident followed Jaiswal’s dismissal for 45 during the 17th over of India’s first innings. Fernando, who had taken the wicket, gave Jaiswal an animated send-off. The India batter turned around and responded, with the exchange quickly becoming heated.
The two players moved towards each other and ended up making head-to-head contact. Players from both sides, along with Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya de Silva, intervened before the confrontation could develop further. Neither player was suspended, but the ICC’s sanction means both now carry a demerit point on their disciplinary records.
Jaiswal responds to criticism
The incident continued to attract attention after play, with Jaiswal responding to criticism on social media before the second day’s play. “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,” Jaiswal wrote.
His comments appeared to be directed at a Cricbuzz Instagram video in which commentator Harsha Bhogle argued that the India batter could have walked away after being dismissed. Jaiswal’s response added another layer to an incident that had already become one of the talking points from the opening day in Colombo.
Kotak admits Jaiswal should have kept his distance
India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak had addressed the confrontation after the first day’s play. Kotak suggested that something said during the exchange may have contributed to the incident, but acknowledged that Jaiswal should not have moved so close to Fernando.
“I think they must have said something to him, and it might have happened in the heat of the moment. Obviously, Jaiswal, I don’t think he should have been so close (to Fernando), but that happens when you are in the heat of the moment,” Kotak said.
The ICC’s decision now formally closes the disciplinary aspect of the incident, with both players accepting the charges and the resulting penalties.