Prabath Jayasuriya Reprimanded After Frustration Following Dismissal
Prabath Jayasuriya has received an official reprimand and one demerit point for violating Article 2.2 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel during the second Test between Sri Lanka and India in Colombo, which is set for August 23-27, 2026.
The violation refers to “abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment or fixtures and fittings during an International Match” .
The breach occurred on the second day of the match. Jayasuriya was deployed as a nightwatchman and was caught lbw by Manav Suthar for two runs from seven balls, the wicket came on the final delivery of the day.
As he returned to the dressing room, he used his bat to hit the boundary wedges, prompting a formal charge from the officiating panel.
On-field umpires Ahsan Raza and Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid filed the charge, along with third umpire Rod Tucker and fourth umpire Prageeth Rambukwella.
Jayasuriya acknowledged the charge and agreed to the sentence proposed by ICC Elite Panel match referee Andy Pycroft, resulting in the case being handled without a formal hearing. Jayasuriya’s first demerit point has been recorded within a rolling 24-month window.
What does ICC Code of Conduct Article 2.2 establish?
Article 2.2 addresses actions involving the misuse of equipment or ground fixtures during an international match. The ICC considers this a lower-level disciplinary infraction, with the stipulated consequence for a first breach being a reprimand and a single demerit point, which Jayasuriya got.
The provision concerns what the ICC defines as misuse of cricket equipment or apparel, ground equipment, or fixtures and fittings during an international event.
The officiating panel ruled that Jayasuriya’s actions with his bat at the boundary were clearly within that description. Because he accepted the decision, no independent tribunal was formed.
Jayasuriya becomes the third player to face sanctions in the Colombo Test?
Jayasuriya becomes the third player from this match to face ICC disciplinary action. The earlier two punishments originated from a separate occurrence on the opening day of the match, involving India batsman Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sri Lanka fast bowler Asitha Fernando.
That scenario transpired during the 17th over of India’s first innings. Fernando had just taken Jaiswal’s wicket when the pair exchanged words and their heads came into contact, causing the match authorities to report both players. Each earned an individual sanction. Jayasuriya’s issue is wholly independent, resulting only from his own actions after his discharge on Day 2 and bearing no link to the Jaiswal-Fernando matter.
