Indian cricket star Virat Kohli has been fined 20% of his match fee and handed one demerit point following a shoulder-bumping incident with Australian debutant Sam Konstas during Day 1 of the fourth Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). The International Cricket Council (ICC) confirmed the sanction, stating that Kohli breached Article 2.12 of its Code of Conduct, which pertains to “inappropriate physical contact.”
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The Incident
The altercation occurred at the end of the 10th over when Kohli was seen deliberately shoulder-bumping Konstas in front of a packed crowd of 90,000. The move led to an exchange between players, with Australian opener Usman Khawaja stepping in to defuse the situation.
On-field umpires Joel Wilson and Michael Gough, along with third umpire Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid and fourth umpire Shawn Craig, reported the incident. Kohli admitted to the offense and accepted the sanction from match referee Andy Pycroft, avoiding a formal hearing.
ICC Code of Conduct: Key Provisions
Article 2.12 of the ICC Code of Conduct prohibits any form of inappropriate physical contact in cricket. It outlines factors to determine the severity of the breach, including:
- Whether the contact was intentional, reckless, or avoidable.
- The force of the contact.
- Any resulting injury.
- The identity of the person involved.
Demerit Points System
This was Kohli’s first offense in a 24-month period. If a player accumulates four or more demerit points within this timeframe, they are converted into suspension points, leading to a potential ban. Two suspension points equate to a ban from one Test, two ODIs, or two T20Is, depending on the player’s next scheduled match.
Reaction to the Incident
The act sparked widespread criticism:
- Ricky Ponting, former Australian captain, called Kohli’s actions “instigative” and unnecessary. Speaking on Channel Seven, Ponting remarked, “Virat walked across the pitch to instigate that confrontation. Fielders should be nowhere near the batsman at that stage.”
- Ravi Shastri, India’s former coach, also disapproved, stating, “There is a line, and you don’t want to overstep that line. This was unnecessary.”
Kohli’s Disciplinary Record
This marks Kohli’s first demerit point in two years. However, with the ICC’s stringent monitoring system, any repeat offense could put him at risk of suspension.
Key Takeaway
While Kohli’s passion is often celebrated, this incident underscores the importance of sportsmanship in cricket. Players must adhere to the boundaries of fair play, ensuring the spirit of the game is upheld at all times.