Virat KohliAndKonstas- (Source:@Johns/X.com)
On Thursday, December 26, things got heated up on day 1 of the Boxing Day Test match between India and Australia as Virat Kohli was involved in a physical altercation with Sam Konstas. The 19-year-old debutant took the world by storm and introduced himself in style on an international platform.
The right-hand batter was hitting the likes of Jasprit Bumrah all over the park. Thus, Virat decided to break the concentration and shouldered Konstas while changing sides mid-over. The incident was caught on camera and did not go well with the fans and also cricket pundits.
The Indian fans were also worried about Virat Kohli potentially being banned for the fifth Test. However, in the latest events, Kohli has escaped a ban and has been slapped with a 20% fine on his match fees and also a demerit point.
But why did Virat escape a ban and what does ICC rules suggest?
Notably, it was Virat's first offence in the last 24 months and the ICC has penalised him with just one demerit point. It is worth noting that if a player has four demerit points in a window of 24 months, then only a player gets banned for a match.
ICC has categorised offences into four categories - Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, and Level 4. According to the ICC, if a player commits a level 1 offence, they are likely to be slapped with one or two demerit points. Further, if the offence fell in level 2, then 3-4 demerit points would be given to a player.
Level Of Offense | Demerit Points | Ban |
---|---|---|
Level 1 | 1-2 | No Ban |
Level 2 | 3-4 | One Test/ Two ODI |
Level 3 | 5-6 | One Test |
Level 4 | 7-8 | Two Tests/ Four ODIs |
ICC Law Regarding Virat's Situation
Here's What ICC law read regarding physical contact. It read:
"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.
"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 contract; (iii) any resulting injury to the person with whom contact was made; and (iv) the person with whom contact was made."
Thus, Konstas wasn't injured, and neither the nudge was made with force. Thus, ICC let go of Virat with a demerit point and 20% match fees.