Melbourne, December 26, 2024: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially confirmed the punishment imposed on Indian cricketer Virat Kohli for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct during the first day of the fourth Test against Australia in Melbourne.
Kohli has been fined 20% of his match fee and received one demerit point for inappropriate physical contact with Australian debutant Sam Konstas.
The incident occurred at the end of the 10th over of Australia’s innings when Kohli bumped shoulders with Konstas while walking across the pitch.
The ICC found Kohli in breach of Article 2.12 of its Code of Conduct, which addresses inappropriate physical contact with players, support staff, match officials, or spectators during an international match.
Kohli Admits Offense and Accepts Sanction
Kohli admitted to the offense and accepted the sanction proposed by Andy Pycroft of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees. As a result, a formal hearing was not required.
The charge was leveled by on-field umpires Joel Wilson and Michael Gough, third umpire Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid, and fourth umpire Shawn Craig.
Level 1 breaches of the code can result in penalties ranging from an official reprimand to a maximum 50% fine of a player’s match fee, along with one or two demerit points.
Reactions to the Incident
The confrontation drew sharp criticism from cricket experts and former players. Commentating on Channel 7, former Australian captain Ricky Ponting criticized Kohli’s actions, stating:
“Have a look at where Virat walks. Virat’s walked one whole pitch over to his right and instigated that confrontation. No doubt in my mind, whatsoever.”
Former India head coach Ravi Shastri also weighed in, expressing disapproval of Kohli’s conduct:
“There is a line and you don’t want to overstep that line,” Shastri said.
- Day 1 Report : Konstas Shines with a debut fifty Amid Clash with Kohli
