Virat Kohli Fined 20% of Match Fees for Confrontation with Sam Konstas on Boxing Day Test Day 1
Virat Kohli Fined for Altercation with Sam Konstas During Boxing Day Test
Virat Kohli has been fined 20 percent of his match fees and handed one demerit point following a physical altercation with Australian debutant Sam Konstas on Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test. The incident, marked by shoulder contact and heated exchanges, narrowly avoided a Level 2 offence, which could have led to a suspension for Kohli.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced the penalty, citing that Kohli breached Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct. “Any form of inappropriate physical contact is prohibited in cricket,” the ICC stated, emphasizing that players must refrain from actions that involve deliberate or reckless contact with another player.
The altercation took place after the completion of the 10th over of the Australian innings. As Kohli and Konstas crossed paths, they exchanged heated words, prompting intervention from Usman Khawaja and the on-field umpires to defuse the situation.
Reflecting on the incident, Konstas said, “I was doing my gloves, then a little shoulder charge, but it happens in cricket.” The young Australian, who scored a remarkable fifty on his debut, downplayed the confrontation, while former Australian captain Ricky Ponting suggested that Kohli instigated the incident by moving over to confront Konstas.
Fortunately for Kohli, the breach was assessed as a Level 1 offence, which carries lighter penalties compared to Level 2 offences that could result in multiple demerit points and a possible suspension for upcoming matches, including the next contest in Sydney.
As cricket fans, we can expect tempers to flare in the competitive arena of international cricket, but it’s crucial for players to maintain professionalism on the field. For those looking to add a touch of cricketing flair to their lives, check out the latest sports gear and accessories at Looffers.com for exclusive deals and offers.
Stay tuned for more updates on the ongoing Boxing Day Test and Kohli’s performance in the matches to come!
