Virat Kohli’s heated altercation with debutant Sam Konstas on the opening morning of the Boxing Day Test is certain to come under scrutiny by the ICC. The incident, which involved Kohli shoulder barging Konstas, has sparked debate, with Test legend Ricky Ponting asserting that Kohli was at fault.
Here’s what happened: Kohli, the former captain, made a sudden move across from his original position on the leg side, ball in hand. He walked past Konstas, who was returning from the other end, and the shoulder barge occurred. The two exchanged words, with Usman Khawaja stepping in, offering a smile and putting a hand on Kohli’s shoulder to diffuse the tension.
But what does the law say? ⚖️
According to Law 2.12: “Inappropriate physical contact with a Player, Player Support Personnel, Umpire, Match Referee, or any other person (including a spectator) during an International Match” is prohibited. The law further elaborates:
“Any form of inappropriate physical contact is prohibited in cricket. Without limitation, players 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, the following factors are considered:
- (i) The context of the situation (whether the contact was deliberate, reckless, or avoidable)
- (ii) The force of the contact
- (iii) Any injury resulting from the contact
- (iv) The person with whom the contact was made.”
Virat Kohli and Sam Konstas Involved in Heated Clash at MCG! 🔥#ViratKohli #INDvsAUS #cricket #Deltin pic.twitter.com/XBpfQxITcX
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Level 1 or Level 2?
The interpretation of the incident lies with the match referee, Andy Pycroft. If Pycroft considers the shoulder barge a Level 2 offence, either Kohli or Konstas could face three or four demerit points.
Has Kohli faced this before?
Yes, Kohli has a history with shoulder contact. In 2019, during a T20I against South Africa in Bengaluru, Kohli received a demerit point for making shoulder contact with Beuran Hendricks. Kohli admitted the offence and accepted the sanction from the match referee.
When are players suspended?
A player is suspended if they accumulate four or more demerit points within a 24-month period.
What have former cricketers said?
Ricky Ponting weighed in, stating that Kohli instigated the confrontation with Konstas. “Virat walked a whole pitch to his right and initiated that confrontation,” Ponting said on Channel Seven. “No doubt in my mind whatsoever.”
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