Jaiswal and Asitha Face Sanctions After Colombo Test Altercation

Yashasvi Jaiswal and Asitha Fernando have each been fined 25% of their match fees and received a demerit point for their involvement in an inappropriate physical altercation on the opening day of the second Test in Colombo.

The incident occurred after Asitha dismissed Jaiswal on the final delivery of the 17th over on the first morning. Having begun walking toward the pavilion, Jaiswal altered his route and approached Fernando, allegedly in response to remarks made during Sri Lanka’s celebratory huddle, where Fernando was prominently involved.

“Jaiswal moved toward Fernando and the two exchanged words, after which Fernando turned his head toward Jaiswal,” the ICC statement noted. “Jaiswal then leaned forward, causing their heads to make contact,” it added, describing further exchanges in which Jaiswal pressed against Fernando while Fernando shoved him backward.

Both players have been found in violation of Article 2.12 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel. Importantly, neither Jaiswal nor Asitha had previously incurred a demerit point within the preceding 24‑month period.

Level 1 breaches typically attract a minimum of an official reprimand, with a maximum sanction of 50 % of a player’s match fee and one or two demerit points.

At the time of the incident, Jaiswal had scored 45 runs off 53 balls before becoming the second wicket to fall, leaving India at 66 for two after winning the toss and electing to bat. Asitha subsequently dismissed both Shubman Gill and Ravindra Jadeja before the day concluded, with India finishing the session at 300 for five.

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