Will Virat Kohli be banned for Sam Konstas on-field bust-up? ICC rules explained
Superstar Virat Kohli might find himself in trouble following an altercation with 19-year-old Sam Konstas on the first day of the much-anticipated Boxing Day Test between Australia and India on Thursday, 26 December. The former Indian captain appeared to deliberately bump into the young opener, who had been taking the attack to the Indian fast bowlers after Australia won the toss and opted to bat in Melbourne.
During the break between the 10th and 11th overs of the Australian innings, Sam Konstas and Usman Khawaja were changing ends when Kohli walked towards the young batter and collided with him. Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting, who was on commentary at the time, remarked that he believed Kohli had made deliberate contact.
Replays showed Kohli was fully aware of his trajectory while Sam Konstas, head down and adjusting his gloves, inadvertently walked into the Indian batter.
“Have a look where Virat walks. Virat has walked one whole pitch over to his right and instigated that confrontation. No doubt in my mind whatsoever,” Ricky Ponting told 7Cricket.
IND vs AUS 4th Test, Day 1 Live
WHAT THE ICC RULES SAY?
According to the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), the custodians of the laws of the game, “making inappropriate and deliberate physical contact with another player” constitutes a Level 2 offence. This falls under chapter 42.1 of the MCC laws – Unacceptable Conduct.
The on-field umpires must report any player they believe has breached the code of conduct, after which the match referee makes the final decision.
Should the umpires and match referees determine that Kohli’s contact was deliberate, he could face strict sanctions from the International Cricket Council (ICC).
Level 2 offences carry a penalty of three to four demerit points, with corresponding punishments as follows:
- 50% to 100% match fee fine or 1 suspension point for three demerit points
- Two suspension points for four demerit points
The demerit points will stay in a player’s record for a period of 24 months.
If the match referee assigns four demerit points to Kohli, it would result in a suspension – either for one Test or two limited-overs matches. This means Kohli risks missing the fifth Test in Sydney, which begins on 3 January.
However, the Indian team management or Kohli himself can appeal against any sanctions imposed.
Notably, South African fast bowler Kagiso Rabada was initially handed three demerit points for making contact with Steve Smith during the 2018 series. Rabada’s sanction, however, was overturned on appeal.
