New Delhi: Virat Kohli, the Indian cricketer, has been penalized 20% of his match fee for violating Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct on the opening day of the fourth Test against Australia in Melbourne on Thursday.
Kohli was found to have breached Article 2.12 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which addresses “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 has confirmed the sanction for Virat Kohli.#AUSvIND | #WTC25https://t.co/tfbmHJRzTi
— ICC (@ICC) December 26, 2024
As part of the penalty, Kohli’s disciplinary record has been updated with one demerit point, marking his first infraction in a 24-month span. The incident took place at the conclusion of the 10th over of Australia’s innings when Kohli approached batter Sam Konstas and carelessly made shoulder contact with him in an inappropriate manner.
Kohli acknowledged the violation and accepted the sanction suggested by Andy Pycroft from the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees, avoiding the need for a formal hearing. The charge was brought forth by on-field umpires Joel Wilson and Michael Gough, third umpire Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid, and fourth umpire Shawn Craig.
Level 1 breaches carry a minimum penalty of an official warning, a maximum fine of 50% of a player’s match fee, and one or two demerit points.
