Yashasvi Jaiswal, Asitha Fernando Fined 25% Match Fees; Handed One Demerit Point Each
India's Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sri Lanka's Asitha Fernando have both been fined 25% of their match fees and received one demerit point each by the ICC.
Tempers flared on the opening day of the second Test between India and Sri Lanka at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) ground, leading to disciplinary action against India opener Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sri Lankan fast bowler Asitha Fernando. Both players have been fined 25% of their match fees and handed one demerit point each by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for their on-field confrontation. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Asitha Fernando Clash in Heated Altercation After Batter's Dismissal in IND vs SL 2nd Test 2026 (Watch Video).
The incident, which occurred just before lunch on Sunday, August 23, 2026, stemmed from an animated send-off by Fernando after dismissing Jaiswal for 45 runs during India’s first innings. Jaiswal, 24, reacted by turning back and approaching the 29-year-old pacer, leading to an exchange of words and then physical contact as their heads and helmets reportedly made contact.
ICC Sanctions for Breaching Code of Conduct
The ICC confirmed on Monday, August 24, 2026, that both players were found guilty of breaching Article 2.12 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which pertains to “inappropriate physical contact with a Player, Player Support Personnel, Umpire, Match Referee or any other person” during an international match.
Neither Jaiswal nor Fernando had any prior offences on their disciplinary records in the preceding 24-month period. Both players admitted to the Level 1 offences and accepted the sanctions proposed by Match Referee Andy Pycroft of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel, negating the need for formal hearings.
India vs Srilanka 2nd Test Match Context
The flashpoint occurred in the 17th over of India's first innings. Jaiswal, who had looked aggressive, scoring nine boundaries in his brisk 45, fell to Fernando, who was the standout bowler for Sri Lanka on Day 1, finishing with figures of 3/46 in his 16 overs.
Despite the early wobble and Jaiswal's dismissal, India ended Day 1 of the second World Test Championship match in a strong position, reaching 300 for five. Devdutt Padikkal was the star for India, notching his second consecutive Test century with a magnificent 117.
This incident adds a fiery narrative to what is already a crucial series as both teams vie for points in the World Test Championship. The confrontation highlights the intense rivalry and high stakes involved in international cricket. Jaiswal later posted on social media, urging critics not to judge without knowing the context of the exchange. Yashasvi Jaiswal Blasts Critics in Fiery Response Over Sledging Row With Asitha Fernando.
As the series progresses, all eyes will be on both Jaiswal and Fernando to maintain their composure and focus on their respective performances. Such disciplinary actions serve as a reminder of the ICC's commitment to upholding the spirit of the game.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 24, 2026 03:46 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).