New Delhi, August 26: Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has expressed his discontent with the ICC’s punishment regarding the altercation between Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sri Lankan fast bowler Asitha Fernando during the second Test in Colombo. He warned that leniency towards such incidents could encourage players to repeat such behavior.
Manjrekar, who has previously voiced concerns over players’ misconduct on the field, shared his thoughts on social media platform X. He referenced both Jaiswal’s incident and a recent controversy involving young Indian batsman Vaibhav Suryaanshi.
On X, he stated, “Dear ICC and BCCI, recently with Vaibhav for India A and now Jaiswal… If you let them get away with such behavior, you are preparing them to repeat it. This is not good for the game and, most importantly, for their own future.”
During the first innings of the Test match in Colombo, Asitha Fernando celebrated aggressively after dismissing Yashasvi Jaiswal, even exchanging words with the Indian batsman. As Jaiswal was heading towards the pavilion, he suddenly turned and collided his helmet with Fernando’s head. Sri Lankan captain Dhananjaya de Silva had to intervene as the situation escalated.
Following the incident, the ICC imposed a fine of 25% of the match fee and a demerit point on both players for their actions. Jaiswal later defended himself amid the backlash, and Manjrekar’s comments also brought attention to a recent incident involving 15-year-old Vaibhav Suryaanshi during matches against Sri Lanka A.
After one match, Suryaanshi had a physical confrontation with Sri Lankan player Vishan Halambage. Manjrekar criticized this incident sharply, stating that if he were part of the India A management, he would have benched Suryaanshi for the next match to send a clear message that physical confrontations are unacceptable.
Meanwhile, after a video discussing the incident was posted by commentator Harsha Bhogle on Instagram, Jaiswal responded to the criticism regarding his clash with Fernando. In the comments section, he wrote, “If you don’t know what he said, please don’t form an opinion. If someone crosses a line, we have to let them know that India will fight back.”
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