Yashasvi Jaiswal, Asitha Fernando sanctioned by ICC for on-field incident during Colombo Test

India opener Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sri Lanka fast bowler Asitha Fernando have each been fined 25 per cent of their match fees following an on-field confrontation during the opening day of the second Test in Colombo. The International Cricket Council sanctioned both players for a Level 1 breach of its Code of Conduct after their heated exchange resulted in physical contact following Jaiswal’s dismissal on Sunday.

Apart from the financial penalty, one demerit point has been added to the disciplinary record of each player. Neither Jaiswal nor Fernando had committed an offence during the previous 24 months. The incident occurred during the 17th over of India’s first innings after Fernando dismissed Jaiswal for 45. The Indian opener had struck nine boundaries during an aggressive innings before Fernando produced a delivery that crashed into his stumps.

Words exchanged after dismissal

Following the wicket, Jaiswal walked towards Fernando and the pair exchanged words. The Sri Lankan pacer then moved his head towards the Indian batter, who leaned forward, resulting in their heads making contact.

The incident attracted the attention of the match officials and both players were subsequently charged under Article 2.12 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which deals with inappropriate physical contact involving players, support personnel, match officials or others during an international match.

Both cricketers admitted their offences and accepted the sanctions proposed by match referee Andy Pycroft. As a result, formal hearings were not required.

On-field umpires Ahsan Raza and Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid, third umpire Rod Tucker and fourth umpire Prageeth Rambukwella levelled the charges.

Level 1 breach

Under the ICC disciplinary framework, a Level 1 offence can attract anything from an official reprimand to a fine of up to 50 per cent of a player's match fee, along with one or two demerit points.

Demerit points remain on a player's disciplinary record for 24 months. Accumulating four or more points during that period leads to their conversion into suspension points, which can result in a player being barred from international matches.

The confrontation came during a competitive opening phase of the Colombo Test. Jaiswal and KL Rahul had given India a steady start before Fernando dismissed Jaiswal to claim his first wicket of the innings.

Fernando later removed India captain Shubman Gill for 50 and finished the opening day as one of Sri Lanka's most effective bowlers, even as Devdutt Padikkal's century put the visitors in a commanding position.

The second Test is part of the ICC World Test Championship. India entered the match with a 1-0 series lead after defeating Sri Lanka by 165 runs in the opening Test in Galle.