Sunil Gavaskar Defends ICC’s Decision on Virat Kohli’s Fine
Cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar has weighed in on the recent fine imposed on Virat Kohli for an on-field incident during the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Gavaskar reiterated that there were no special treatments for Kohli regarding the fine, which amounted to 20 percent of his match fee. The International Cricket Council (ICC) had charged Kohli with a Level 1 offence for making physical contact with 19-year-old Sam Konstas.
Initially, there was much speculation that Kohli might face a one-match suspension for his actions. Instead, he only received the fine, which was deemed appropriate by match referee Andy Pycroft. Gavaskar noted that in cases of similar physical contact, penalties were consistent with what Kohli received, emphasizing that the ICC’s protocols were properly applied.
Some Australian media outlets criticized the ICC for being too lenient with Kohli, with former cricketers like Ricky Ponting and Mark Waugh expressing their disappointment regarding the lack of a stricter punishment. In response to these claims, Gavaskar stated, “If the fine was only 10 percent, it would seem like a favor. But a 20 percent fine is the maximum for a Level 1 offence, and no special treatment was given to him.”
Gavaskar suggested that the perception of favoritism towards Kohli by the Australian press was unfounded, explaining that similar decisions were made in the past for other players. He reminded fans that Kohli received a demerit point for the incident, marking his first sanction from the ICC since 2019.
Citing examples from the past year, Gavaskar mentioned how other players, such as Ireland’s Josh Little and India’s Jasprit Bumrah, faced fines for comparable infractions. Little was fined 15 percent for an incident involving Zimbabwe’s Sikandar Raza, while Bumrah received only a reprimand for his contact with England’s Ollie Pope.
Gavaskar concluded by assuring that the penalties for such offences are both consistent and fair, underscoring that no player, regardless of their star status, is above the established rules of the game.
