ICC punishes Yashasvi Jaiswal, Asitha Fernando for 'inappropriate physical contact'
What's the story
In a major development, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has sanctioned Indian batter Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sri Lankan bowler Asitha Fernando. This follows an incident that transpired on Day 1 of the 2nd Test between the two sides in Colombo. Both players were found guilty of violating Article 2.12 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which pertains to "inappropriate physical contact with a Player."
Incident specifics
Both players accepted charges
The altercation happened in the 17th over of India's innings when Fernando dismissed Jaiswal.
The Indian player walked up to Fernando, and they exchanged words, after which both players leaned in. This resulted in their heads colliding.
Both players accepted the charges and agreed to the sanctions proposed by Andy Pycroft of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees, eliminating the need for formal hearings.
Details
What happened after send-off
After apparently hearing something from Fernando, Jaiswal decided to confront the pacer.
The Indian cricketer looked furious, and the two nearly headbutted each other. However, before things could escalate further, a Sri Lankan player intervened and escorted Jaiswal away.
Before his dismissal, Jaiswal had hit three boundaries off Fernando's over, leading to an animated send-off from the latter.
Disciplinary action
Match referee to determine nature of incident
The match referee will determine the nature of the incident, which could lead to disciplinary action against Jaiswal based on ICC match officials' findings.
If found guilty of a Level 1 offense, he could face punishment ranging from an official reprimand to a fine of up to 50% of his match fee, along with one or two demerit points.
Notably, both players were fined 25% of their match fee and received one demerit point each for the incident.
Coach's comments
Coaches react to the incident
India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak said the incident might have happened in the "heat of the moment," but Jaiswal shouldn't have made body contact with Fernando.
He said, "Obviously, Jaiswal, I don't think he should have been so close (to Fernando), but that happens when you are in the heat of the moment."
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka fast bowling coach Ryan van Niekerk said it's up to match referee Andy Pycroft to decide on this incident.