Colombo, Aug 24: India batter Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sri Lanka pacer Asitha Fernando were each fined 25 per cent of their match fees and handed one demerit point following an on-field confrontation during the second Test here, the ICC said.
The incident occurred after Asitha dismissed Jaiswal off the final ball of the 17th over during the opening day’s play on Sunday.
According to the ICC, the two players exchanged words before making physical contact with their heads.
“Jaiswal walked towards Fernando and the two exchanged words,” the ICC said in a statement.
“In response, Jaiswal leant in, resulting in their heads making contact,” it added.
Both players were found guilty of breaching Article 2.12 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which relates to inappropriate physical contact involving players or support personnel.
The ICC described the incident as a “confrontation” and said both players accepted the sanctions, meaning no formal hearing was required.
The offence is classified as a Level 1 breach. Such violations carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand and a maximum fine of 50 per cent of the match fee, along with one or two demerit points.
Neither Jaiswal nor Asitha had committed a similar offence resulting in a demerit point during the previous 24 months.
Jaiswal was dismissed for 45 off 53 balls, becoming India’s second wicket to fall with the team score on 66. Asitha later removed Shubman Gill and Ravindra Jadeja as Sri Lanka kept India under pressure.
India eventually ended the first day of the second Test on 300 for 5.
The visitors lead the two-Test series 1-0 after securing a 165-run victory in the opening Test in Galle.
The ICC said the penalties were imposed under its disciplinary framework, under which Level 1 breaches can attract a fine of up to 50 per cent of the match fee and one or two demerit points.
