Kohli fined 20% of his match fee, given 1 demerit point for Constas incident

Virat Kohli Fined and Awarded Demerit Point for Shoulder Bumping Incident at MCG

Indian cricketer Virat Kohli has been fined 20 percent of his match fee and handed one demerit point following a shoulder bump with Australian debutant Sam Konstas during the first Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Thursday. The decision was made after a hearing conducted by ICC match referee Andy Pycroft post-Stumps, where Kohli admitted to the charge of inappropriate conduct.

"Kohli was found to have breached Article 2.12 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to 'inappropriate physical contact with a Player, Player Support Personnel, Umpire, Match Referee or any other person (including a spectator) during an International Match'," the ICC stated in a media release. The charge was leveled against Kohli by on-field umpires Joel Wilson and Michael Gough, third umpire Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid, and fourth umpire Shawn Craig.

The Incident

The altercation occurred at the end of the 10th over on Day One of the Test, in front of a packed MCG crowd of 90,000. Kohli was seen deliberately shoulder-bumping Konstas, which led to an exchange between the two players. Australian opener Usman Khawaja intervened to defuse the tension. The incident sparked outrage, with former Australian captain Ricky Ponting calling for strict action against Kohli.

“Virat walked one whole pitch over to his right and instigated that confrontation. No doubt in my mind whatsoever,” Ponting said during commentary on Seven, as quoted by Fox. “Fielders should be nowhere near the batsman at that stage. Konstas looked up late and wouldn’t even know anyone was in front of him. That man on-screen there (Kohli) might have a few questions to answer.”

ICC Code of Conduct Violation

The ICC Code of Conduct under Article 2.12 explicitly prohibits inappropriate physical contact in cricket. The ICC release explains:

"Players will breach this regulation if they deliberately, recklessly, and/or negligently walk or run into or shoulder another player or umpire. When assessing the seriousness of the breach, factors such as intent, the force of contact, resulting injuries, and the individuals involved are taken into account."

While Kohli’s actions didn’t cause injury, the intent and recklessness of the shoulder bump drew significant attention. Former India coach Ravi Shastri criticized Kohli’s behavior, calling it unnecessary. "There is a line, and you don’t want to overstep that line," Shastri remarked.

Context and Precedents

Kohli, a veteran of 121 Tests, 81 international centuries, and over 25,000 international runs, faced backlash from sections of the media, with one outlet labeling him an "antagonist." However, Konstas appeared unfazed, saying, “It happens.”

The punishment aligns with recent ICC decisions regarding Code of Conduct breaches. In June, Bangladesh’s Tanzim Hasan Sakib received a 15 percent fine for a verbal spat involving minor body contact with a Nepal player. Andy Pycroft, who officiated his 100th Test as match referee during this match, has been consistent in maintaining discipline.

Implications for Kohli

According to ICC regulations, a player accumulating four or more demerit points within 24 months faces suspension points, leading to a ban. Two suspension points equate to a ban from one Test, two ODIs, or two T20Is. The demerit point added to Kohli’s record will remain active for 24 months.

This is Kohli’s first offence in the last two years, ensuring no immediate threat of suspension. However, he will need to tread carefully to avoid further disciplinary issues