ICC Sanction Virat Kohli for Level 1 offence: There was a clash on the field between Virat Kohli and Test cricket debutant Sam Constas on the first day of the fourth Test on Thursday and even though the 19 year old Australian batsman did not make much of it saying that Kohli accidentally collided with him but India’s Disciplinary action can be taken against the star batsman. After the tenth over of the Australian innings, when the players were passing each other, the shoulders of Kohli and Constas collided.
Both the players turned and stared at each other and also said something. Meanwhile, Australian opener Usman Khawaja came and separated the two. The on-field umpires also talked to both of them. After the end of the first day’s play, Constas said that Kohli had not collided with him intentionally. He said, “Virat Kohli accidentally collided with me. This is cricket and this happens under stress.”
Virat Kohli and Sam Konstas exchanged a heated moment on the MCG. #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/QL13nZ9IGI
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 26, 2024
Constas told Channel 7 during the second session, “I think we were both overcome with emotion. I didn’t even understand. I was putting on my gloves when suddenly his shoulder hit me. All this happens in cricket. Remains.”
Now ICC has sentenced Virat Kohli for this. Virat Kohli has been fined 20 percent of his match fee and given one demerit point for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct.
ICC has press release Article 2.12 of the ICC Code of Conduct relates to: “Inappropriate physical contact with a player, player support staff, umpire, match referee or any other person (including spectators during an international match).”
The ICC further wrote, “Kohli accepted the penalty imposed by match referee Andy Pycroft, so no formal hearing was required. On-field umpires Joel Wilson and Michael Gough, third umpire Sharafuddaula Ibne Shahid and fourth umpire Shaun Craig But charges were framed.”
Let us tell you, for level one offence, there is a fine of match fee. A level two offense may carry three or four demerit points. Four demerit points result in suspension of one match.
Speaking to the media after the first day’s play, India’s assistant coach Abhishek Nair downplayed the incident. In response to questions, he said, “When you play, emotions run high but it is not that big a deal. I don’t know what happened and what was said.”
Whereas former Australian captain Ricky Ponting held Kohli responsible for this incident. He said, “Look from where Virat has come. He came across the entire pitch and started the fight. I have no doubt about it.”
(with input from language)
