Colombo Test Discipline Woes: Prabath Jayasuriya Becomes Third Player Sanctioned by ICC

COLOMBO – The tension-filled second Test between India and Sri Lanka has hit another disciplinary hurdle, with Sri Lankan spinner Prabath Jayasuriya becoming the third player to be officially reprimanded by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for his conduct during the match.

Jayasuriya has been handed an official reprimand and hit with one demerit point following a breach of the ICC Code of Conduct during the second day’s play. The sanction comes on the heels of a separate disciplinary action involving Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sri Lankan pacer Asitha Fernando, marking a volatile series of events for the ongoing Colombo Test.

The Incident: Abuse of Equipment

The incident involving the Sri Lankan spinner occurred during the final delivery of Monday’s play. After being adjudged leg-before-wicket (LBW) off the bowling of India’s Manav Suthar, an visibly frustrated Jayasuriya struck the boundary wedges with his bat while walking back to the pavilion.

The ICC confirmed that Jayasuriya breached Article 2.2 of the Code of Conduct, which pertains to the “abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment or fixtures and fittings during an International Match.”

The charge was leveled by the officiating team, comprising on-field umpires Ahsan Raza and Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid, third umpire Rod Tucker, and fourth umpire Prageeth Rambukwella. Jayasuriya admitted to the offense and accepted the sanction proposed by Andy Pycroft of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees, bypassing the need for a formal hearing. This marks his first disciplinary offense in a 24-month period.

A Fiery Start to the Series

Jayasuriya’s sanction highlights a recurring theme of disciplinary issues throughout the match. On the opening day, a heated confrontation between Yashasvi Jaiswal and Asitha Fernando drew significant scrutiny from match officials.

The incident occurred in the 17th over of India’s first innings immediately after Fernando dismissed Jaiswal. The two players engaged in a verbal altercation that escalated when Fernando moved his head toward the Indian opener. Jaiswal responded by leaning in, resulting in brief physical contact between the two.

Both Jaiswal and Fernando were swiftly punished for their actions, each receiving a fine of 25 percent of their match fees and one demerit point.

With three players now sanctioned in a single Test, the ICC is expected to keep a close watch on player conduct for the remainder of the series as both sides look to maintain discipline amidst the high-stakes environment of the World Test Championship.