Cricket Australia, BCCI issue strong statements on Virat Kohli-Sam Konstas incident at MCG

Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) President Roger Binny shared contrasting views on the Virat Kohli-Sam Konstas drama on Day 1 of the ongoing Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Melbourne.

Virat Kohli stirred controversy by shoulder-barging Sam Konstas on Day 1 of the ongoing Boxing Day Test in Melbourne. The incident unfolded after the tenth over of the Australian innings when Virat Kohli, walking past Sam Konstas with the ball, made contact with the 19-year-old’s shoulder.

Virat Kohli-Sam Konstas incident sparks mixed reactions from Cricket Australia and BCCI officials

It led to a heated exchange of words between Kohli and Konstas, forcing Usman Khawaja and the umpire to intervene to prevent further escalation in the ongoing fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Melbourne on December 26.

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Reacting to the episode, Cricket Australia (CA) CEO Nick Hockley raised concerns while highlighting the importance of maintaining sportsmanship. Hockley noted that physical contact has no place in cricket.

However, the CA CEO acknowledged that Kohli accepted the charge, and praised the debutant Konstas for handling the situation with maturity while emphasizing the high intensity and stakes of the BGT series.

It's not a great look: Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley

Nick Hockley said on SEN Radio: “Not a great look. I mean, you know, physical contact on the cricket field is a complete no-no. It wasn’t great. I think clearly Virat, in accepting the charge, has taken responsibility, and I actually thought Sam Konstas showed maturity beyond his years and was actually very gracious to brush it off. What I think it does is highlight just the intensity of the competition but also just how much is at stake in this series, but yeah, it's not a great look.”

The former Indian skipper had accepted a fine worth 20 percent of his match fee as well as one demerit point for his controversial act at the MCG. However, Hockley refused to comment on whether the penalty was enough but said that it was the match officials’ call and the main thing is that Virat has accepted the charge and taken responsibility.

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These things happen on the cricket ground: BCCI President Roger Binny

Meanwhile, BCCI President Roger Binny said he didn't watch the altercation between Virat Kohli and Sam Konstas at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), but noted that such things are common on the field.

However, the former World Cup winner has emphasized that players should accept such moments and focus on ensuring the game continues, and that’s something that matters more than making controversy.

Roger Binny was quoted as saying by ANI, “I did not see the incident (Virat Kohli-Sam Konstas incident), but these things happen on the cricket ground. You have to accept it and carry on. See that the game goes on. That is important.”

Virat Kohli accidentally bumped me: Sam Konstas

After the match, Sam Konstas addressed the incident after the end of the play on Day 1, explaining that Virat Kohli accidentally bumped into him in the ongoing Boxing Day Test between India and Australia at the MCG.

Konstas told the media at the MCG after the end of Day 1 play: “I was just adjusting my gloves, and I think he accidentally bumped me. But I think that is just cricket, just the tension.”