Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Yashasvi Jaiswal and Asitha Fernando have both been fined by the ICC following their heated altercation during the second Test between India and Sri Lanka in Colombo. Both players were handed a 25 per cent match-fee fine and one demerit point after their confrontation on the opening day.
The incident occurred in the 17th over of India’s innings on Day 1 after Fernando dismissed Jaiswal for 45. The Sri Lankan pacer gave the India opener a send-off, prompting Jaiswal to turn around and exchange words with him before the situation escalated and their heads made contact.
advertisement
Both players were found to have breached Article 2.12 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel. The provision covers “inappropriate physical contact with a Player, Player Support Personnel, Umpire, Match Referee or any other person”.
Jaiswal and Fernando admitted the offence and accepted the sanctions proposed by Andy Pycroft of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees. With both players accepting the charges, no formal hearing was required.
Neither player had committed an offence during the previous 24 months, making this the first disciplinary action against both during that period.
JAISWAL HAD ALREADY RESPONDED TO THE CLASH
The sanction comes after Jaiswal had publicly addressed the incident, pushing back against judgements made without knowing what had been said between the two players.
Cricbuzz posted a video on Instagram on the analysis of the altercation, with the caption “Did Jaiswal cross the line?” Jaiswal responded by insisting that the exchange needed to be viewed in its full context.
“If you don’t know what he said then please don’t make your judgment if anyone cross the line we need to let them know this India will fight and reply,” Jaiswal commented.
The confrontation began after Fernando produced a sharp nip-backer to dismiss Jaiswal, who had made 45 from 53 balls. As Jaiswal walked away, Fernando’s send-off prompted the Indian batter to turn back. The pair exchanged words before Sri Lankan captain Dhananjaya de Silva and other players intervened.
India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak had earlier acknowledged that emotions appeared to have boiled over but said Jaiswal should not have got so close to Fernando.
INDIA STRONG POSITION IN COLOMBO
The incident came during a busy opening day for India, who recovered from the early wickets to finish on 300/5. Devdutt Padikkal produced the standout performance with 117, absorbing pressure on a surface that offered assistance to Sri Lanka’s bowlers.
Jaiswal and captain Shubman Gill had earlier added 120 for the third wicket, with both reaching half-centuries before falling. Rishabh Pant then retired hurt on three after being struck on the wrist by Lahiru Kumara.
Ravindra Jadeja helped Padikkal rebuild before he also fell to Fernando, while debutant Saransh Jain was dismissed early on Day 2. Pant subsequently returned to the crease and immediately made an impact with a six.
India eventually reached 475/8 before rain interrupted play on Day 2, with Dhruv Jurel unbeaten on 95.
The disciplinary action now puts a formal conclusion to the incident, with both Jaiswal and Fernando carrying one demerit point from the Colombo Test.
– Ends
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
