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Yashasvi Jaiswal, Asitha Fernando Fined 25% Match Fees By ICC After Colombo Altercation
By CricShots - Aug 24, 2026 3:33 pm
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Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sri Lanka pacer Asitha Fernando have both been fined by the International Cricket Council (ICC) following their heated exchange during the second Test in Colombo. The two players were handed a 25 per cent match-fee fine and one demerit point after their confrontation on the opening day. The incident took place during the 17th over of India’s innings after Fernando dismissed Jaiswal for 45 off 53 balls.

Asitha Fernando
Asitha Fernando and Yashasvi Jaiswal engaged in a heated altercation

The Sri Lankan fast bowler celebrated the wicket with an animated send-off, prompting Jaiswal to turn around and respond. The exchange quickly became heated, with the two players coming face-to-face before their heads made contact. Both Jaiswal and Fernando were found guilty of breaching Article 2.12 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel. The regulation relates to inappropriate physical contact involving a player, support staff member, umpire, match referee or another individual.

The two cricketers admitted to the offence and accepted the sanctions proposed by Andy Pycroft of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees. As they accepted the charges, there was no requirement for a formal hearing.

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Importantly, neither Jaiswal nor Fernando had committed a similar offence during the previous 24 months. Their one demerit point from the Colombo incident therefore represents the first disciplinary sanction against either player during that period.

The ICC decision comes shortly after Jaiswal publicly addressed the altercation. Following a Cricbuzz video questioning whether the Indian opener had crossed the line, Jaiswal responded on social media and argued that the incident should not be judged without knowing what had been said between the players.

 

Jaiswal wrote that if people did not know what Fernando had said, they should not make a judgment, adding that India would “fight and reply” when someone crossed the line. The confrontation began immediately after Fernando produced a sharp delivery that nipped back and knocked over Jaiswal’s off stump. The Indian opener had looked in excellent touch before his dismissal, striking nine boundaries in his 53-ball innings.

Fernando’s celebration appeared to provoke Jaiswal, who turned back while walking towards the dressing room. The two exchanged words and moved close to each other before Sri Lankan captain Dhananjaya de Silva and other players stepped in to prevent the situation from escalating further. India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak had also addressed the incident, acknowledging that emotions had run high but suggesting that Jaiswal could have avoided getting so close to the Sri Lankan pacer.

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The altercation was one of the talking points from an otherwise productive opening day for India. After losing their openers early, Jaiswal and Shubman Gill had rebuilt the innings before both departed after scoring half-centuries. Devdutt Padikkal then produced another impressive performance, scoring 117.

Rishabh Pant also retired hurt after being struck on the wrist by Lahiru Kumara but later returned to the crease and played aggressively. India eventually reached 475/8 before rain interrupted proceedings, with Dhruv Jurel unbeaten on 95. With the ICC sanctions now confirmed, the Colombo altercation has officially been closed, with both Jaiswal and Fernando carrying one demerit point from the incident.

Tags Asitha FernandoColombo TestICCIndia cricketIndia vs Sri Lankamatch feesYashasvi Jaiswal