India vs Sri Lanka: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Asitha Fernando Fined 25% Match Fee After Colombo Test Clash

India opener Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sri Lanka fast bowler Asitha Fernando have both been sanctioned by the International Cricket Council following their heated exchange during the first day of the second Test in Colombo.

The duo was fined 25 per cent of their respective match fees and handed one demerit point each for breaching Article 2.12 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which covers inappropriate physical contact during an international match.

The incident unfolded in the 17th over of India's first innings, shortly after Fernando dismissed Jaiswal. As the Indian batter began walking away, he turned back towards the Sri Lankan seamer and the two exchanged words. Fernando then moved his head towards Jaiswal, who leaned in in response, resulting in their heads making contact.

The altercation quickly became one of the talking points from the opening day at the Sinhalese Sports Club. Jaiswal was dismissed for 45, with Fernando claiming the wicket as Sri Lanka made an early impact against India's top order.

Both players admitted the offence and accepted the sanctions proposed by Andy Pycroft, the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees. As a result, there was no requirement for a formal hearing.

The ICC confirmed that neither player had committed an offence in the previous 24 months, meaning the demerit point is their first in that period. The charge was brought by on-field umpires Ahsan Raza and Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid, third umpire Rod Tucker and fourth umpire Prageeth Rambukwella.

India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak had acknowledged that Jaiswal should not have got so close to Fernando, while former India all-rounder Ajay Jadeja also criticised the physical nature of the exchange.

What does the ICC punishment mean?

The offence falls under Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct. Such breaches carry a minimum punishment of an official reprimand and can result in a maximum fine of 50 per cent of the match fee, along with one or two demerit points. The disciplinary matter is now settled, with both Jaiswal and Fernando free to focus on the remainder of the Test.