India opener Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sri Lanka fast bowler Asitha Fernando have each been fined 25% of their match fee and handed one demerit point by the International Cricket Council following their on-field confrontation during the second Test in Colombo.
The ICC confirmed the sanctions on Monday, August 24, 2026. Both players were found to have committed a Level 1 breach of Article 2.12 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which covers inappropriate physical contact during an international match.
Jaiswal and Fernando admitted the offences and accepted the sanctions proposed by match referee Andy Pycroft of the ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees. No formal disciplinary hearings were therefore required, and the ICC announced no suspension for either player.
ICC fines Jaiswal and Fernando 25% of match fees
| Player | Team | Penalty | Demerit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yashasvi Jaiswal | India | 25% of match fee | 1 |
| Asitha Fernando | Sri Lanka | 25% of match fee | 1 |
The ICC said neither player had committed another offence during the preceding 24-month period. The newly imposed point is therefore the only demerit point on either player’s disciplinary record from that period.
The sanctions do not include a match ban.
What happened between Yashasvi Jaiswal and Asitha Fernando?
The incident occurred during the 17th over of India’s first innings on Sunday, August 23, at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo.
Jaiswal had attacked Fernando during the over, striking three consecutive boundaries before the Sri Lanka pacer responded on the final delivery. Fernando bowled Jaiswal for 45, with the India opener inside-edging the ball onto his stumps.
According to the ICC’s official account, Jaiswal then walked toward Fernando and the two players exchanged words. Fernando moved his head toward Jaiswal before the India batter leaned in, resulting in their heads making contact.
The wording is significant because the ICC classified the incident as inappropriate physical contact under Article 2.12. The governing body did not describe it in its disciplinary ruling as a deliberate headbutt.
What ICC rule did Jaiswal and Fernando breach?
Both players were sanctioned under Article 2.12 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel.
The rule covers inappropriate physical contact involving another player, player support personnel, an umpire, a match referee or another person during an international match.
For a Level 1 breach, ICC regulations provide for a minimum sanction of an official reprimand and a maximum fine of 50% of a player’s match fee. Level 1 offences also carry one or two demerit points.
Jaiswal and Fernando each received a 25% match-fee fine and one demerit point.
Why do the demerit points matter?
One demerit point does not result in an immediate suspension, but it remains on a player’s disciplinary record for 24 months from the date it is imposed.
Under ICC rules, if a player reaches four or more demerit points within a 24-month period, those points are converted into suspension points.
Two suspension points result in a ban from one Test or two ODIs or two T20Is, whichever comes first for that player.
Jaiswal and Fernando therefore remain clear of the suspension threshold, but any further disciplinary offences during the relevant 24-month period could add to their totals.
Both players admitted the offences
There is no unresolved disciplinary hearing stemming from the Colombo confrontation.
Jaiswal and Fernando both admitted the offences and accepted the sanctions proposed by Andy Pycroft, meaning the matter could be resolved without formal hearings.
The charges were levelled by on-field umpires Ahsan Raza and Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid, third umpire Rod Tucker and fourth umpire Prageeth Rambukwella.
Clash came during the second India-Sri Lanka Test
The confrontation occurred during the second and final Test of India’s 2026 tour of Sri Lanka, which is also part of the 2025-27 ICC World Test Championship.
Jaiswal scored 45 from 53 balls, including nine fours, before Fernando removed him. The Sri Lanka fast bowler remained one of the hosts’ leading wicket-takers as India’s first innings developed.
When the ICC published its disciplinary update on August 24, rain had halted the second day’s play with India on 475/8 after 131.2 overs. Dhruv Jurel was unbeaten on 95, while Fernando had figures of 4/78.
India entered the Colombo match holding a 1-0 lead in the two-Test series after defeating Sri Lanka by 165 runs in the opening Test in Galle.
The ICC has imposed no additional punishment beyond the 25% match-fee fines and one demerit point for each player.
Neither Jaiswal nor Fernando has been suspended as a result of the incident. Their immediate consequence is financial, while the demerit points remain relevant to their disciplinary records for the next 24 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were Yashasvi Jaiswal and Asitha Fernando fined?
The ICC fined both players for a Level 1 breach of Article 2.12 concerning inappropriate physical contact. The confrontation happened after Fernando dismissed Jaiswal during India’s first innings of the second Test in Colombo.
How much were Jaiswal and Fernando fined?
Yashasvi Jaiswal and Asitha Fernando were each fined 25% of their match fee and received one demerit point.
Are Yashasvi Jaiswal or Asitha Fernando suspended?
No. The ICC did not suspend either player. Both received a financial penalty and one demerit point, which will remain on their disciplinary records for 24 months.
