MCC CEO addresses Virat Kohli-heckling incident; confirms no official complaint from India

Virat Kohli faced derogatory abuse from a section of the Australian crowd on Day 2 of the ongoing fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Melbourne on Friday (December 27).

Even a group of Australian spectators was seen chanting offensive slurs and singing derogatory songs aimed at Virat Kohli. These incidents followed his shoulder-barge moment with the Australian debutant Sam Konstas, which fueled the crowd’s animosity at the MCG.

Virat Kohli targeted by derogatory abuse from the MCG crowd during the Boxing Day Test

Every time Kohli took to the field—whether batting or fielding—he became the target of jeers from the stands. Even some fans at the MCG could be heard calling Kohli a "wanker" when he was fielding near the boundary line. Despite the derogatory remarks, Kohli responded with a cheeky gesture, urging the crowd to get even louder at the MCG.

Read Also: Watch: Sam Konstas makes fun of Virat Kohli with shoulder-barge mimicry during Boxing Day Test

However, Virat Kohli lost his cool and was upset when he was making his way back to the dressing room after being dismissed for 36 runs off 86 balls in the ongoing Boxing Day Test. Kohli reportedly had a tense exchange with fans who were booing him at the MCG.

As the Indian batting icon made his way through the tunnel leading to the dressing room, a section of the Australian crowd targeted him with some offensive comments and jeers. It led Kohli to stop, as the dashing right-hander turned back, seemingly responding to something said by the fans.

Virat Kohli confronts hecklers after his dismissal in Melbourne Test

The 36-year-old appeared visibly displeased as he glanced toward the stands. ICC security personnel quickly stepped in and escorted Kohli away, ensuring he continued toward the dressing room.

#Punjabi Blood boils when you tease!!! Here's @imVkohli get angry at the audience who were trolling him while he was aheading back towards the pavilion.#INDvsAUS pic.twitter.com/EZGkmm8BfA

— Akashdeep Thind (@thind_akashdeep) December 27, 2024

However, the Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC) CEO Stuart Fox has stated that India has not filed any official complaint regarding the heckling incident. He shared his thoughts on the incident involving Virat Kohli and the crowd at the MCG. The MCC CEO revealed that he reviewed the footage and discussed the matter with security.

However, Fox said that India has not lodged an official complaint as they are happy with their handling, and he would have been concerned only if the behavior crossed into abuse or physical contact.

Read Also: Virat Kohli’s ‘only mistake’ in Yashasvi Jaiswal run-out disaster exposed by Mohammad Kaif

You're never comfortable when you've got fans heavily engaging with the player: MCC CEO on heckling incident

Stuart Fox was quoted as saying by SEN radio: “You're never comfortable when you've got fans heavily engaging with the player. As the operator, you are just always watching. I went and looked at the vision last night. I have been talking to security this morning. There has been no official complaint from India; they are comfortable.”

However, Fox admitted that there was some heckling and slammed the crowd's booing. The MCC CEO also emphasized the importance of respecting players and avoiding abusive or physical interactions while highlighting Kohli's significant contribution to the game.

The MCC CEO signed off by saying, “I think a bit of heckling happened late, and Kohli obviously popped his head back. I'll be concerned if it was really abusive and (there is) any physical contact or abuse that's pushing the boundary. That's where we are always making sure everyone is well behaved. I love Kohli; I love what he has done for our game. I don't particularly love the booing. I think he should be congratulated on creating the rivalry that he has.”

.@MCC_Members CEO Stuart Fox on Virat Kohli's interaction with the crowd as he walked off on day two.#AUSvIND 🏏 #BoxingDayTest pic.twitter.com/prHMrdLeiY

— SEN Cricket (@SEN_Cricket) December 28, 2024