Jaiswal, Asitha Fernando fined by ICC, handed one demerit point each

COLOMBO: India batter Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sri Lankan pacer Asitha Fernando have been fined 25% of their match fees for their on-field confrontation during the second Test in Colombo. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has also handed both players one demerit point each.

The incident took place on the opening day of the Test after Asitha dismissed Jaiswal for 45 in the 17th over. Asitha's celebration after taking the wicket appeared to trigger the confrontation. Jaiswal then returned and exchanged words with the Sri Lankan pacer. Their heads also briefly made contact during the altercation before Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya de Silva and other players intervened to calm the situation.

The ICC took action under Article 2.12 of its Code of Conduct, which covers inappropriate physical contact with a player, member of the team support staff, umpire, match referee or any other person during a match.

Both players admitted to the offence, meaning no formal hearing was required. They accepted the sanctions proposed by Andy Pycroft, the Emirates ICC Elite Panel Match Referee.

Neither Jaiswal nor Fernando had faced any disciplinary action in the previous 24 months. Therefore, the one demerit point each is their first during that period.

Jaiswal had earlier commented on the incident, urging people not to judge the confrontation without knowing what was said between the two players. Responding to a Cricbuzz video featuring cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle titled ‘Did Jaiswal cross the line?’, Jaiswal 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 is India; we will fight and reply."

India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak had also earlier said that Jaiswal should not have gone so close to Fernando during the confrontation.