Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley and Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) chairman Roger Penney shared contrasting views on the Virat Kohli-Sam Konstas drama on day one of the ongoing Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Melbourne.
Virat Kohli sparked controversy by shoulder tackle Sam Konstas on the first day of the ongoing Boxing Day Test in Melbourne. The incident occurred after the 10th over of the Australian innings when Virat Kohli, who went past Sam Konstas with the ball, collided with the shoulder of the 19-year-old.
The Virat Kohli-Sam Konstas incident has drawn mixed reactions from Cricket Australia and BCCI officials
This 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 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Melbourne on December 26.
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In response to the episode, Cricket Australia (CA) CEO Nick Hockley raised concerns while highlighting the importance of maintaining sportsmanship. Hockley pointed out that physical contact has no place in cricket.
However, the CA CEO acknowledged that Kohli accepted the charge, and praised debutant Konstas for handling the situation maturely while emphasizing the high intensity and risks involved in the BGT series.
It's not a great look: Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley
Nick Hockley said on SEN Radio: “It's not a great look. I mean, you know, physical contact on a cricket pitch is absolutely verboten. It wasn't great. I clearly think Virat, in accepting the charge, has taken responsibility, and I actually thought Sam Constas He showed maturity beyond his years and was actually very generous in taking that away. What I think it does is highlight not only the intensity of the competition but also how much of a risk this series is, but yeah, it's not a great look.
The former Indian skipper accepted a fine of 20 percent of the match fee plus one penalty point for his controversial action at the MCG. However, Hockley refused to comment on whether the penalty was enough or not, but said it was the match officials' call and the main thing was that Virat accepted the charge and took responsibility.
These things happen on the cricket ground: BCCI President Roger Binny
Meanwhile, BCCI president Roger Binny said he did not witness the altercation between Virat Kohli and Sam Konstas at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), but pointed out that such things are common on the field.
However, the former World Cup winner stressed that players must accept such moments and focus on ensuring the game continues, which is more important than causing controversy.
“I did not see the incident (Virat Kohli-Sam Konstas incident), but these things happen on a cricket ground. You have to accept it and carry on. We see that the game continues. This is important,” Roger Binny was quoted as saying by ANI.
Virat Kohli accidentally shocked me: Sam Konstas
Post-match, Sam Konstas spoke about the incident after the end of the play on day one, explaining that Virat Kohli accidentally collided with him in the ongoing Boxing Day Test between India and Australia at the MCG.
“I was just adjusting my gloves and I think he accidentally bumped me. But I think that's just cricket, just nerves,” Konstas told the media at the MCG after the end of day one's play.