New Delhi: India opener Yashasvi Jaiswal is at risk of a major penalty after attempting to headbutt Sri Lanka's Asitha Fernando during the second Test in Colombo. This incident has created a stir in the cricket world and now action can be taken against him under the strict rules of ICC.
What happened in Colombo, how did the controversy erupt?
Fernando dismissed Jaiswal for 45 runs on the last ball of the 17th over. After getting out, an argument started between the batsman and the bowler and within no time many Sri Lankan players gathered around.
Devdutt Padikkal tried to pacify Jaiswal and take him out of the field but he continued moving towards Fernando and finally the heads of both the players collided with each other. The umpires intervened and calmed down the matter.
What do ICC rules say, what is the punishment for level 4 crime?
Under ICC rules, physical assault causing injury or acts of violence such as kicking, punching or fighting during an international match is considered a Level 4 offence. As stated in Article 2.18 of the ICC Code of Conduct.
Physically attacking another player, support staff, umpire, match referee or any other person during an international match is a serious offence. Article 2.19 states that any act of violence on the field of play during an international match falls under Level 4.
According to the ICC, Level 4 crimes have the harshest punishment. In this, there can be a ban of 5 Test matches or 10 ODI matches and a lifetime ban can also be imposed on the player concerned.
When Ajinkya Rahane saved Jaiswal's career
This is not the first time that Jaiswal has let his emotions dominate cricket. Jaiswal repeatedly argued with South Zone's T Ravi Teja despite warnings from the umpire during the 2022 Duleep Trophy final.
Then West Zone captain Ajinkya Rahane intervened and sent Jaiswal to the dressing room to save the situation from worsening. Later Rahane had told that the match referee had made preparations to ban Jaiswal for four matches.
But seeing Rahane scolding his partner, he tore the letter. Rahane had said that he felt it was his responsibility to handle the situation and save Jaiswal from such punishment which could have a negative impact on his career.
Jaiswal had scored 265 runs in that final and made his debut for India in 2023. Now after this latest incident his discipline record and temperament may be re-examined.