Asitha Fernando, a fast bowler for Sri Lanka, was found guilty for breaking Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct on Wednesday on the third day of the second Test against Pakistan in Colombo. Fernando was seen to have breached Article 2.5 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to “using language, actions or gestures which disparage or which could provoke an aggressive reaction from a batter upon his/her dismissal during an International Match.”
Fernando's disciplinary record has also been updated with one demerit point, which was his first offense in 24 months.
After removing Saud Shakeel in the 81st over of Pakistan's innings, Fernando walked up close to the hitter and inappropriately celebrated the dismissal. There was no need for a formal hearing because Fernando confessed the wrongdoing and agreed to the punishment suggested by David Boon of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees.
The accusation was charged by the on-field umpires Alex Wharf and Raveendra Wimalasari, the third umpire Rod Tucker, and the fourth umpire Prageeth Rambukwella. Level 1 violations are subject to one or two demerit points, a minimum penalty of an official reprimand, and a maximum fine of 50% of the player's match fee.
"When a player reaches four or more demerit points within a 24-month period, they are converted into suspension points and a player is banned. Two suspension points equate to a ban from one Test or two ODIs or two T20Is, whatever comes first for the player", ICC said.
Looking through the match, Pakistan finished on a very high note with 563/5 on board, they accumulated a massive lead of 397 runs.