Indian cricketer Virat Kohli has been fined 20% of his match fee and received one demerit point for shoulder-bumping Australian debutant Sam Konstas during the first day of the fourth Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). The incident occurred after the 10th over, in front of a packed crowd of 90,000 spectators, leading to a brief exchange between players, with Usman Khawaja stepping in to diffuse the tension.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) confirmed that Kohli breached Article 2.12 of its Code of Conduct. Which prohibits “inappropriate physical contact with a Player, Player Support Personnel, Umpire, Match Referee, or any other person.” The article explicitly outlines that physical contact in cricket must not be deliberate, reckless, or negligent. Factors such as intent, force, resulting injury, and the person involved are considered when assessing the severity of the breach.
Incident and Sanction
The charge was filed by on-field umpires Joel Wilson and Michael Gough, third umpire Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid. And fourth umpire Shawn Craig. Kohli accepted the charge and the proposed sanction from match referee Andy Pycroft, avoiding the need for a formal hearing.
This is Kohli’s first offence within a 24-month period. According to ICC regulations, four or more demerit points in two years result in suspension points, which can lead to a ban. Two suspension points equate to a one-Test or two-limited-overs match ban.
Reactions to the Incident
The shoulder bump drew widespread criticism. Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting condemned the act during Channel Seven’s coverage, stating. “Virat walked across the pitch to instigate that confrontation. Fielders should not be anywhere near the batsman in that situation. This incident will undoubtedly be reviewed by officials.”
Even former Indian coach Ravi Shastri expressed disapproval, emphasizing the importance of maintaining discipline. “There is a line, and you don’t want to overstep it,” Shastri remarked.
Context of the ICC Code of Conduct
Cricket, being a non-contact sport, has strict rules against physical contact. The ICC Code of Conduct specifically views deliberate shoulder bumps as unsportsmanlike and prohibits such acts. Kohli’s punishment serves as a reminder of the expectations placed on players to uphold the spirit of the game.
This incident highlights the fine balance between competitive aggression and sportsmanship. With Kohli now facing increased scrutiny as India moves forward in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
