ICC Penalizes Virat Kohli for Shoulder Bump Incident with Sam Konstas at MCG

Summary
Virat Kohli was fined 20% of his match fee and given one demerit point for a shoulder bump and heated exchange with debutant Sam Konstas during the Boxing Day Test at the MCG. The ICC penalized him for breaching Article 2.12 of its Code of Conduct, which prohibits physical contact. Cricket legends, including Ricky Ponting and Sunil Gavaskar, criticized Kohli’s actions, calling them unsportsmanlike.

Virat Kohli faced disciplinary action after a heated exchange with debutant Sam Konstas during Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test at the MCG. The controversy arose in the 10th over when Kohli bumped into Konstas’ shoulder, leading to a verbal confrontation.

Kohli was found guilty of breaching the ICC Code of Conduct, fined 20% of his match fee, and handed one demerit point. According to ICC regulations, physical contact such as intentional or reckless shoulder bumps is strictly prohibited. Factors like intent, force, and injury are considered when assessing such breaches under Article 2.12 of the Code of Conduct.

The incident drew widespread criticism. Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting stated, “Kohli walked across the pitch to instigate the confrontation,” and suggested the umpires would investigate further. Indian legends Sunil Gavaskar and Irfan Pathan also expressed disappointment with Kohli’s behavior toward the 19-year-old debutant.

Konstas, meanwhile, impressed with a blazing fifty on debut despite the drama.