ICC hands down Level 1 sanctions

India opener Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sri Lanka pacer Asitha Fernando have each been fined 25 per cent of their match fee and handed one demerit point after their on-field confrontation during the opening day of the second Test at Colombo’s Sinhalese Sports Club.

The International Cricket Council confirmed that both players admitted breaching Article 2.12 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which covers inappropriate physical contact with a player, match official or another person during an international match. The offence was classified as Level 1.

How the confrontation unfolded

The incident came in the 17th over of India’s first innings, shortly after Fernando dismissed Jaiswal for 45. The Sri Lankan bowler appeared to give the batter an animated send-off, prompting Jaiswal to turn back and exchange words with him. The two then moved face-to-face, with their heads and helmets making contact before Sri Lankan teammates and captain Dhananjaya de Silva intervened.

The sanctions proposed by match referee Andy Pycroft were accepted by both players, meaning a formal hearing was not required. The demerit points are the first recorded against either player in the previous 24 months. Under the ICC system, four or more demerit points accumulated during that period are converted into suspension points and can lead to a match ban.

Jaiswal defends his reaction

Jaiswal later addressed the controversy on social media, urging people not to judge the exchange without knowing what had been said. “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,” he wrote before the start of play on the second day.

India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak said the confrontation may have occurred in the “heat of the moment”, while acknowledging that Jaiswal should not have made physical contact with Fernando.

Jaiswal had made a confident start before playing the ball onto his stumps for 45. Fernando claimed four wickets as India reached 475 for eight on the rain-interrupted second day.