Will ICC suspend Virat Kohli from playing in the final BGT Test match for clashing with Sam Konstas in Melbourne?
In the currently ongoing fourth Test-Match of the 2024-25 Border Gavaskar Trophy between Australia and India in Melbourne, elite Indian batter Virat Kohli collided with 19-year-old Australian debutant Sam Konstas. A video of this incident is going viral on social media platforms.
A heated argument took place between the two players on the field and the umpires were forced to intervene and cool down the situation. But the question which arises is, will the ICC suspend Kohli from participating in the final Border-Gavaskar Trophy match? In this article, we will be taking a look at the ICC rule under which the former Indian skipper can be proven guilty.
What exactly happened on the field in Melbourne?
First of all, let's know what exactly happened on the field. Indian vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah was bowling the 11th over of the match and debutant Sam Konstas was hitting big shots constantly off the bowling of Mohammed Siraj and even Bumrah himself.
Watch the full video here- Virat Kohli vs Sam Konstas
In such a situation, during the 11th over while cleaning the ball, Kohli was moving towards Konstas and at that point of time, both of them collided with each other as the former Indian skipper clashed his shoulder with the youngster. On watching the video carefully, it can be seen that Virat did the shoulder clash on purpose with the 19-year-old.
What do the rules of ICC say?
According to the rulebook of the ICC, article 2.1 states that a player can be punished if he gets involved in inappropriate physical-contact with a opposition player, support staff of the players, match-referee, umpires or any other person on the Cricket field.
Such incidents have happened before in the past and considering the history of such incidents, Virat will not be getting harsh punishment like a one-match suspension or ban. However, the match-referee can definitely give the 35-year-old a demerit point and a deduction in his match-fee as a punishment.