The second Test between India and Sri Lanka started with major drama at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo on Day 1.
India opener Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sri Lanka fast bowler Asitha Fernando have been punished after their heated physical altercation during the match. Both players have been fined 25 percent of their match fees for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct on Sunday.
According to the ICC, both the players violated Article 2.12 of the Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel. This rule is about improper physical contact with another player, support staff, umpire, match referee or any other person including a spectator during an international match. Along with the fine, one demerit point has also been added to the disciplinary record of both Yashasvi Jaiswal and Asitha Fernando.
The whole incident happened right after Asitha Fernando got Yashasvi Jaiswal out in the 17th over of India’s first innings. Instead of going straight back to the dressing room, Yashasvi Jaiswal took a different route and walked up to Asitha Fernando and the two started arguing with each other. During the argument, Asitha Fernando moved his head forward towards Yashasvi Jaiswal and the latter also leaned in, which led to both the players making head-to-head contact.
Both Yashasvi Jaiswal and Asitha Fernando accepted that they made a mistake and agreed to the punishment suggested by Andy Pycroft, who is part of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees. Since they accepted the sanction, there was no need for a separate formal hearing.
The case against them was filed by the on-field umpires Ahsan Raza and Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid, along with third umpire Rod Tucker and fourth umpire Prageeth Rambukwella.
As per ICC rules, a Level 1 breach can lead to a minimum punishment of an official warning and a maximum punishment of 50 percent of the match fee along with one or two demerit points.
Earlier, Yashasvi Jaiswal had defended his behaviour and had a message for those criticising him. He said people should not judge him without knowing what was actually said on the field, adding that if someone crosses the line, the Indian team will stand up, fight back and give a strong reply.
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