ICC Sanctions Yashasvi Jaiswal and Asitha Fernando Following On-Field Altercation
COLOMBO – The International Cricket Council (ICC) has handed down formal sanctions to India’s rising batting star Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sri Lankan fast bowler Asitha Fernando following a heated confrontation during the second Test in Colombo.
Both players were docked 25 percent of their match fees and received one demerit point each after pleading guilty to breaching Article 2.12 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which prohibits inappropriate physical contact between players.
A Tense Exchange
The incident took place during the 17th over of India’s first innings. After Fernando successfully dismissed Jaiswal for 45, the pacer delivered an aggressive send-off to the batter. The situation spiraled quickly when Jaiswal turned back to confront the bowler, leading to an intense face-to-face exchange.
As the tension boiled over, both players leaned in, resulting in their helmets and heads making contact. The altercation was only diffused after Sri Lankan captain Dhananjaya de Silva and other teammates intervened to separate the pair.
Jaiswal Responds to Criticism
Following the match, Jaiswal took to social media to defend his actions, urging fans and analysts to refrain from passing judgment without context. His statement appeared to be a direct rebuttal to veteran commentator Harsha Bhogle, who had suggested in a Cricbuzz segment that Jaiswal should have displayed more restraint and walked away.
“If you don’t know what he said, then please don’t make your judgment,” Jaiswal wrote on the morning of Day 2. “If anyone crosses the line, we need to let them know this: India will fight and reply.”
Management’s Perspective
Addressing the media after the day’s play, India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak acknowledged that while emotions often run high in international cricket, the conduct of both players fell short of expected professional standards.
“I think they must have said something to him, and it might have happened in the heat of the moment,” Kotak said. “Obviously, Jaiswal, I don’t think he should have been so close to the bowler, but that happens when you are in the heat of the moment.”
The ICC’s decision to issue demerit points serves as a formal warning, and both players will need to remain cautious as they continue through the remainder of the series.
