Muhammad Amanullah | August 24, 2026
The True Post (Web News) — India opener Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sri Lanka fast bowler Asitha Fernando have both been fined 25 per cent of their match fees and handed one demerit point each following a heated incident during the second Test in Colombo.
The incident occurred during India’s first innings and saw the two players involved in a verbal confrontation that eventually resulted in physical contact.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) subsequently took disciplinary action against both cricketers after determining that their conduct breached the governing body’s Code of Conduct.
Both players accepted the charges and the proposed sanctions, meaning a formal hearing was not required.
Heated Exchange Follows Jaiswal’s Dismissal
The incident took place during the 17th over of India’s first innings.
Fernando dismissed Jaiswal for 45 runs, after which a heated exchange began between the two players.
According to the ICC, Jaiswal moved towards Fernando and the two exchanged words. Fernando then moved his head towards Jaiswal, while Jaiswal also leaned forward, resulting in contact between their heads.
Other players quickly intervened and separated the two cricketers before the confrontation could escalate further.
The incident became one of the most notable moments of the opening day as emotions ran high during the closely contested Test.
ICC Charges Both Players
The ICC found Jaiswal and Fernando guilty of breaching Article 2.12 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which relates to inappropriate physical contact with another player, member of support staff, umpire, match referee or another person involved in an international match.
The offence was classified as a Level 1 breach.
Under the ICC Code of Conduct, Level 1 offences can result in a reprimand, a fine of up to 50 per cent of a player’s match fee and one or two demerit points.
In this case, both players received a 25 per cent fine and one demerit point.
Both Players Accept Sanctions
The ICC said both Jaiswal and Fernando admitted the offence and accepted the sanctions proposed by match referee Andy Pycroft.
Because the players accepted the charges and penalties, no formal hearing was required.
The ICC also noted that neither player had committed a similar offence during the previous 24 months.
As a result, neither cricketer faces a suspension over the incident.
Controversy Came After Jaiswal’s Wicket
Jaiswal had scored 45 runs before Fernando dismissed him.
The bowler’s reaction after taking the wicket appeared to upset the Indian batter, who then moved towards Fernando.
The confrontation initially involved a verbal exchange before turning into physical contact.
India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak later acknowledged that Jaiswal should not have moved so close to the Sri Lankan bowler, although he also described the incident as a result of the pressure and emotions of competitive cricket.
The episode quickly attracted attention because confrontations between players are relatively unusual in Test cricket, where intense competition is generally expected to remain within the boundaries of sporting conduct.
What Does a Demerit Point Mean?
Demerit points form part of a player’s disciplinary record under the ICC Code of Conduct.
Both Jaiswal and Fernando now have one demerit point on their respective records.
Under ICC regulations, if a player accumulates four or more demerit points within a 24-month period, those points can be converted into suspension points.
Depending on the number of suspension points accumulated, a player can subsequently be suspended from international matches.
The single point handed to Jaiswal and Fernando does not result in an immediate suspension, but any future disciplinary offence could become more significant because of the points now recorded against them.
Pressure Builds During Second Test
India and Sri Lanka are competing in the second Test in Colombo, with both teams looking to strengthen their position in the series.
India entered the match with an advantage after winning the opening Test, putting additional pressure on Sri Lanka to respond in the second game.
The intense contest provided the backdrop for the confrontation between Jaiswal and Fernando.
With the ICC now having dealt with the incident, both players can turn their attention back to the match and their respective teams.
ICC Emphasises Discipline
Aggressive competition and emotional exchanges are part of professional cricket, particularly during closely fought Test matches.
However, the ICC’s regulations make clear that physical contact and inappropriate conduct can lead to disciplinary action.
In this case, the confrontation went beyond a verbal exchange, prompting the governing body to impose sanctions on both players.
Jaiswal and Fernando’s decision to accept the penalties has brought the matter to an end without a formal hearing.
The 25 per cent match-fee fine and one demerit point are not the most severe penalties available under the Code of Conduct, but they serve as a reminder that international players are expected to maintain discipline even during highly emotional moments on the field.
The focus will now return to the second Test itself, with both India and Sri Lanka aiming to gain the upper hand in Colombo.
