26 Aug 2026 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : India opener Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sri Lanka pacer Asitha Fernando have faced criticism after an ugly confrontation during Day 1 of the second Test in Colombo. Former India cricketers Cheteshwar Pujara and Saba Karim condemned the incident, saying such behaviour has no place on a cricket field.
Jaiswal and Fernando Clash
The incident occurred after Fernando gave Jaiswal a send-off. Jaiswal turned back and confronted the Sri Lankan pacer, leading to an exchange of words before the two players appeared to make head-to-head contact.
Other players intervened and separated the two cricketers as tensions escalated.
Pujara Calls Body Contact Unacceptable
Former India batter Cheteshwar Pujara criticised the confrontation while discussing the incident on Sony Sports.
Pujara said players can become angry and exchange words during a competitive match, but he drew the line when the argument resulted in physical contact.
He stressed that players need to control their emotions on the field.
Saba Karim Also Criticises Jaiswal and Fernando
Former India wicketkeeper Saba Karim was equally critical of the incident.
Karim said cricket is not a contact sport and argued that there was no reason for the confrontation to escalate into a physical exchange.
He also reminded players that they are ambassadors of the sport, with young fans watching their behaviour.
ICC Takes Action
The International Cricket Council (ICC) subsequently punished both players.
Jaiswal and Fernando were each fined 25 per cent of their match fees and handed one demerit point for their involvement in the incident.
Aggression Without Crossing the Line
The controversy has renewed discussion about the balance between competitive aggression and sportsmanship in Test cricket.
Players regularly exchange words and attempt to put pressure on opponents, but former cricketers have argued that such exchanges should not develop into physical confrontations.
Jaiswal’s Role in the Test
Jaiswal remains an important part of India’s Test batting unit and has been central to the team’s plans during the Sri Lanka series.
The incident, however, has shifted some attention away from the cricket and towards player conduct and discipline.
Why the Incident Has Drawn Attention
Test cricket is often associated with intense contests between batters and bowlers, but physical confrontation can quickly become a distraction.
Pujara and Karim’s comments underline the expectation that international players should maintain control even during heated moments.
Focus Returns to the Series
With disciplinary action already taken, attention will now return to the cricket as India and Sri Lanka continue their second Test.
The incident is likely to remain a talking point, but both teams will be expected to keep their focus on the remainder of the match and maintain discipline.