Indian fielder Virat Kohli has been fined for an altercation with Australian batsman Sam Konstas on day one of the fourth Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
The International Cricket Council gave Kohli a 20 percent match fee fine – and a demerit point – for Thursday’s incident.
“Have a look where Virat walks. Virat’s walked one whole pitch over to his right and instigated that confrontation. No doubt in my mind whatsoever.”
– Ricky Ponting #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/zm4rjG4X9A
— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) December 26, 2024
“Any form of inappropriate physical contact is prohibited in cricket. Without limitation, players will breach this regulation if they deliberately, recklessly and/or negligently walk or run into or shoulder another player or umpire,” read a statement from the ICC.
“When assessing the seriousness of the breach, the following factors (without limitation) shall be taken into account:
- “(i) the context of the particular situation, including, without limitation, whether the contact was deliberate (i.e. intentional), reckless, negligent, and/or avoidable;
- “(ii) the force of the contact;
- “(iii) any resulting injury to the person with whom contact was made; and (iv) the person with whom contact was made.”
Konstas hit 60 on international debut. Australia moved to 311 for six at the close of play.