By The ICC has fined India opener Yashasvi Jaiswal 25% of his match fee, around Rs 3.75 lakh, following a physical altercation with Sri Lanka’s Asitha Fernando.
Both players were found guilty of breaching Article 2.12 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which covers inappropriate physical contact with a player or match official, and were each given one demerit point.
The incident occurred in the 17th over of India’s innings after Fernando dismissed Jaiswal, with the batter walking towards the bowler and the two exchanging words before Fernando moved his head towards Jaiswal.
Jaiswal escaped a suspension despite the seriousness of the confrontation, with the ICC opting for a fine and demerit point rather than a ban.
Fernando was sanctioned under the same article for his role in the incident, receiving an identical fine and demerit point.
The sanction comes during an otherwise dominant Test series for India, who have taken control of the ongoing match in Colombo after a strong batting performance.
Level 1 breaches under the ICC Code of Conduct typically carry a fine ranging from 10 to 50 percent of a player’s match fee along with up to two demerit points, depending on the severity of the offence.
Players who accumulate four or more demerit points within a 24-month period face an automatic suspension, meaning both Jaiswal and Fernando will need to be mindful of their conduct in upcoming matches.
The incident briefly overshadowed what had otherwise been a strong individual performance from Jaiswal at the top of India’s order during the series.
Match officials confirmed the sanctions were handed down after reviewing the incident together with on-field umpires and the match referee following the day’s play.
Under ICC procedure, players sanctioned at Level 1 do not need to appear before a formal hearing if they accept the charge and the proposed penalty, which appears to have been the case here.
The confrontation added an edge to what has otherwise been a keenly fought series between the two sides, with tempers occasionally flaring amid the intensity of Test cricket.
Photo by Lionel Allorge, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
