ICC likely to punish Virat Kohli for shouldering Sam Konstas: Sources

A top source within the ICC has indicated that Virat Kohli could face punishment for shouldering Sam Konstas on Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test. The source stated that the match referee and umpires will review the matter and may call the players for an explanation.

In Short

• Virat Kohli deliberately shouldered Sam Konstas on Boxing Day
• The former captain might face a strict sanction from the ICC
• Konstas played a stroke-filled 60-run knock vs India

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is set to review the on-field altercation involving batting star Virat Kohli and Australian teenage debutant Sam Konstas on Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne. Kohli appeared to deliberately bump into the young Sam Konstas, who had been aggressively taking on the Indian fast bowlers after Australia won the toss and chose to bat in Melbourne.

During the break between the 10th and 11th overs of the Australian innings, Konstas and Usman Khawaja were switching ends when Kohli walked toward the young batter and collided with him. Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting, commentating at the time, remarked that he believed Kohli had made deliberate contact. Replays revealed that Kohli was fully aware of his trajectory, while Konstas, with his head down and adjusting his gloves, unintentionally walked into the Indian batter.

IND vs AUS 4th Test, Day 1 Live

According to a senior source within the ICC, the incident has not gone unnoticed and could lead to disciplinary action against the veteran Indian batter. "It is now up to the match referee and umpires to review the footage and assess the situation. They may call the players involved for explanations," the source revealed.

The clash occurred in the heat of the game as Konstas, making his debut for Australia, was involved in a routine exchange on the field. Kohli's apparent shoulder nudge was captured by cameras, sparking immediate reactions from fans and pundits alike.

"If the explanation provided by Kohli does not satisfy the officials, he could face punishment in the form of demerit points," the source added. Demerit points are part of the ICC's disciplinary system, which can lead to fines or even suspension if a player accumulates too many points within a specified period.

While the ICC has yet to make an official statement on the matter, the incident has already stirred significant debate in cricketing circles. The final decision now rests with the match referee and umpires, whose report will determine the course of action. "Let's see what stand the referee takes," the ICC source concluded.

WHAT 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.