Photo Credit: Twitter Profile Photo of @juniorwaugh349
Australian cricket legend Mark Waugh criticized the ICC for their “very lenient” sanction on Virat Kohli following an incident on Boxing Day.
During the match at the MCG, Kohli was seen shoulder-barging debutant Sam Konstas in a heated exchange, sparking considerable debate on social media.
The ICC issued Kohli a Level 1 breach, resulting in a 20% fine of his match fee. However, the 36-year-old avoided suspension and is eligible to play in the fifth Test at the SCG. Speaking on Fox Cricket at the start of day two, Waugh expressed surprise at the leniency of the punishment.
“It doesn’t matter who you are, that sort of behaviour is not on,” Waugh said.
“He’s extremely lucky that the penalty was very lenient … he could easily have been deemed a level two offence.”
He suggested the fine should have been higher, stating, “It should be at least 75 percent [match fee] if you’re going to make it a monetary fine.”
Waugh warned that such behavior could escalate, noting, “It could lead to something more substantial with the players getting involved or the crowd getting involved, if you’re playing in a hostile environment.”
Waugh emphasized, “You just can’t make contact, it’s just not on.”
Kohli, known for his aggressive on-field persona, rarely resorts to physical confrontation, making this incident notable.
English cricket great Michael Vaughan also expressed surprise at the sanction, especially given that Kohli received the same punishment as Mohammed Siraj, who was penalized for a verbal altercation with Travis Head earlier in the series.
“I think Virat is very lucky,” Vaughan said. “The altercation yesterday wasn’t a great look for him as a person. To take on a 19-year-old, who was just doing what you do at the end of an over.”
Vaughan added, “He’s got the same as what Mohammed Siraj got at the Adelaide Oval, so I think he’s got away with it there.”
Vaughan concluded, “I just don’t think the monetary fine is going to affect any of the players in this era of the game and it’s more just the precedent it sets.”
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Name of Author: Cricexec Staff
