Test Clash: ICC Slaps Jaiswal, Fernando With Fines

News Desk

Colombo: Indian batsman Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sri Lankan pacer Asitha Fernando have been fined 25 per cent of their match fees and handed one demerit point each following a heated on-field exchange during the second Test in Colombo.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) said the players breached Article 2.12 of its Code of Conduct, which covers inappropriate physical contact involving players and match officials during a match.

The incident unfolded on the final delivery of the 17th over of India’s innings after Fernando dismissed Jaiswal for 45 off 53 balls.

As Jaiswal walked towards the dressing room, he turned back and moved towards Fernando. The exchange quickly became physical, with the ICC stating that the players’ heads made contact.

Television footage appeared to show Jaiswal stepping towards Fernando and tilting his helmet in the direction of the Sri Lankan bowler, who also moved forward before the contact occurred.

Both players admitted to the offence and accepted the sanctions imposed by Andy Pycroft of the ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees. As a result, no formal hearing was required.

The ICC noted that neither Jaiswal nor Fernando had committed a previous offence in the preceding 24 months that would have resulted in a demerit point.

Under the ICC’s Code of Conduct, a Level One offence can attract a formal reprimand, a fine of up to 50 per cent of a player’s match fee and one or two demerit points.

Jaiswal’s dismissal came when India were 66 for two after electing to bat first. Fernando went on to claim three wickets, also dismissing Shubman Gill and Ravindra Jadeja, as India finished the opening day on 300 for five.

Rain interrupted the second day’s proceedings, forcing play to be abandoned during the second session. India had reached 475 for eight, with Dhruv Jurel unbeaten on 95.

India entered the Colombo Test with a 1-0 lead after securing a 165-run victory over Sri Lanka in the first Test in Galle.