Prabath Jayasuriya Reprimanded and Handed Demerit Point in Colombo Test
Sri Lanka cricketer Prabath Jayasuriya has received an official reprimand and been handed one demerit point after breaching the International Cricket Council (ICC) Code of Conduct during the second Test against India in Colombo. The sanction was imposed following an incident on the second day of the match, where Jayasuriya struck boundary fixtures with his bat while exiting the playing field.
What Happened
The incident occurred on the second day of the second Test between Sri Lanka and India at Colombo, scheduled for August 23-27, 2026. Jayasuriya, who had entered the crease as a nightwatchman, was dismissed leg-before-wicket (lbw) by Indian bowler Manav Suthar for two runs from seven deliveries on the final ball of the day.
As he walked back toward the dressing room, Jayasuriya struck the boundary wedges with his bat. This action led to a formal charge under Article 2.2 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which addresses the abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment, or fixtures and fittings during an international fixture.
The charge was leveled by on-field umpires Ahsan Raza and Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid, third umpire Rod Tucker, and fourth umpire Prageeth Rambukwella. Match referee Andy Pycroft of the ICC Elite Panel proposed the penalty of an official reprimand and one demerit point. Jayasuriya admitted to the offense and accepted the proposed sanction, eliminating the need for a formal hearing.
Key Highlights
- Prabath Jayasuriya was officially reprimanded and docked one demerit point by the ICC.
- The infraction fell under Article 2.2 of the ICC Code of Conduct regarding the abuse of ground equipment or fixtures.
- The breach took place on Day 2 of the second Test in Colombo following his dismissal on the final delivery of play.
- The sanction was accepted without requiring an independent disciplinary hearing.
- This marks Jayasuriya’s first demerit point within a rolling 24-month period.
- Jayasuriya became the third player penalised during the Colombo Test, following Day 1 sanctions issued to Yashasvi Jaiswal and Asitha Fernando.
Why This Matters
Article 2.2 of the ICC Code of Conduct establishes parameters to deter conduct involving the misuse of equipment and venue fixtures. Under the governing framework, this is categorized as a lower-level disciplinary breach, carrying a standard penalty of an official reprimand and a single demerit point for a first-time offense. The demerit point will stay on Jayasuriya’s disciplinary record within a rolling 24-month window.
This sanction is also notable within the context of the fixture itself. Jayasuriya is the third cricketer penalised by the match referee in this Colombo Test. On Day 1, India batter Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sri Lanka fast bowler Asitha Fernando both received individual sanctions following an altercation in the 17th over of India’s first innings, during which verbal exchanges and physical head contact took place. The ICC noted that Jayasuriya’s penalty was completely independent of the earlier Day 1 dispute.
What to Watch Next
With the penalty formally accepted and ratified by match referee Andy Pycroft, the disciplinary matter is officially concluded without further proceedings. Jayasuriya continues in the match carrying one active demerit point on his record for the next 24-month cycle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which rule did Prabath Jayasuriya violate?
Jayasuriya breached Article 2.2 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which covers the abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment, or fixtures and fittings during an international match.
Why was no formal disciplinary hearing held?
A formal hearing was unnecessary because Jayasuriya admitted the charge and accepted the sanction proposed by ICC match referee Andy Pycroft.
How many demerit points does Jayasuriya currently have?
This is the first demerit point registered against Jayasuriya within an active 24-month window.
Who else received sanctions during the Colombo Test?
India batter Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sri Lanka bowler Asitha Fernando both received individual disciplinary sanctions following an incident on Day 1 of the same match.
Source: ICC Media Release via Crictracker.