Virat Kohli reprimanded by ICC, handed demerit point: Details here
Indian skipper Virat Kohli, on Monday, was reprimanded by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for inappropriate conduct during the third T20I against South Africa in Bengaluru on Sunday. As per a release by the ICC, Kohli was found guilty of breaching Level 1 of the Code of Conduct, while he has also been handed a demerit point for the same. Here are further details.
Kohli brushed shoulders with Beuran Hendricks
It all happened during the Indian innings while Kohli was facing pacer Beuran Hendricks in the fifth over. After playing one of his deliveries, Kohli went for the run and in the follow-through, he brushed his shoulder with the pacer, thereby making an inappropriate contact.
What is ICC's Level 1 Code of Conduct?
As per the ICC, Article 2.12 of the Code of Conduct means, "Inappropriate physical contact with a Player, Player Support Personnel, Umpire, Match Referee or any other person (including a spectator) during an International Match." The Level 1 breach also calls for a minimum penalty of a reprimand, or a maximum penalty of a fine of 50%, including one or two demerit points.
Kohli handed a demerit point
Kohli has been handed a demerit point for breaching the Code of Conduct. As a result of this demerit point, the total tally of his points has increased to three since September 2016. While the first demerit point was handed during the Pretoria Test in January 2018, the second came against Afghanistan during the ICC World Cup 2019.
Kohli admits to it, no official hearing needed
Meanwhile, the report also adds that Kohli has admitted to the breach and there was no need for a formal hearing on the incident. The sanction was imposed by match referee Richie Richardson, while umpires Nitin Menon and CK Nandan, along with Anil Chaudhary (TV umpire) and Chettihody Shamshuddin (reserve umpire) have leveled the charge against him.
Penance for further demerit points
Meanwhile, the ICC states that if a player reaches four or more demerit points within 24 months, it shall be converted to suspension points and could lead to a ban. Two suspension points would lead to a ban from a Test, or two ODIs, or two T20Is, whichever format is played first. Demerit points stay in the record for 24 months following the imposition.
