As per Sources, Virat Kohli escapes ban, fined for Sam Konstas bust-up at MCG
Virat Kohli has been fined 20% of his match fee and received one demerit point for his altercation with Australian debutant Sam Konstas during the fourth Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on December 26. The incident occurred in the first session when Kohli shoulder-barged Konstas while they were switching ends after the 10th over. Despite speculation that Kohli could face a one-match ban for deliberate physical contact, he was charged with a Level 1 offence, which is the mildest sanction.
Kohli’s meeting with match referee Andy Pycroft lasted only 10 minutes, during which he accepted the breach of the International Cricket Council (ICC) Code of Conduct. The incident drew criticism from former players, including Ricky Ponting and Ravi Shastri, who labeled Kohli’s actions as unnecessary. Ponting noted that Kohli instigated the confrontation by veering towards Konstas, while Shastri emphasized that such behavior should not be tolerated from a senior player.
Konstas later downplayed the incident, stating, “Whatever happens on the field stays on the field,” expressing his excitement about competing in front of a packed stadium. The altercation has sparked discussions about sportsmanship and player conduct in cricket, especially given Kohli’s stature as a former captain.