The ICC on Monday confirmed the sanctions for India batter Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sri Lanka fast bowler Asitha Fernando for their altercation (IANS Image)
Jaiswal and Fernando Fined for On-Field Altercation
Yashasvi Jaiswal of India and Asitha Fernando from Sri Lanka have both received fines equivalent to 25% of their match fees, along with one demerit point each, due to an on-field incident during the second Test match in Colombo. The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced the Level 1 sanctions on Monday, August 24. Both players acknowledged their violation of Article 2.12 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which addresses inappropriate physical contact between players.
Jaiswal and Fernando Clash During India-Sri Lanka Match
During the 17th over of India’s first innings, a heated exchange occurred between Indian batter Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sri Lankan bowler Lahiru Fernando after Fernando dismissed Jaiswal for 45 runs. Following the wicket, Fernando gave Jaiswal an animated send-off, prompting Jaiswal to respond verbally. The situation escalated quickly as both players confronted each other face-to-face, resulting in their helmets making contact. Teammates and Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya de Silva intervened to separate the players before tensions could rise further.
In response to the incident, Jaiswal took to social media to address the criticism surrounding the exchange. He urged fans and critics not to judge the situation without understanding the context of the conversation. Jaiswal stated, “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.” This statement was made prior to the start of play on Day 2 of the match.
What India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak said
“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 after the opening day’s play.