Thu Dec 26 05:41:57 UTC 2024: ## Kohli Faces Potential ICC Sanctions After On-Field Altercation
**Melbourne, Australia –** Indian cricket star Virat Kohli is facing potential sanctions from the International Cricket Council (ICC) following a controversial on-field incident with Australian debutant Sam Konstas during the fourth Test match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
During Day 1 of the match, Kohli appeared to deliberately shoulder-push Konstas, sparking a heated altercation. Former cricketers Ricky Ponting and Michael Vaughan have both called for the ICC to take action against Kohli.
Ponting, speaking on Channel Seven, stated that Kohli instigated the confrontation by walking across the pitch to confront Konstas. He emphasized that fielders should not be near batsmen at that point in the game and believes the umpires and match referee will investigate the incident. Ponting also suggested that Konstas appeared unaware of Kohli’s approach.
Vaughan echoed Ponting’s sentiments, expressing confidence that match referee Andy Pycroft would review the incident seriously.
The incident falls under ICC Law 2.12, which prohibits inappropriate physical contact. The severity of any sanction will depend on factors such as whether the contact was deliberate, the force of the contact, and any resulting injuries. A Level 2 offense could result in a suspension for Kohli, while a Level 1 offense might only lead to a fine. The final decision rests with match referee Pycroft.
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