Sam Konstas to Face Impact from ICC during Boxing-Day Test: Not Because of Virat Kohli altercation

Australian Test debutant Sam Konstas had a massive debut as he attracted the spotlight for two reasons on Day 1 of Boxing-Day Test against India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on December 26. First reason is his outstanding batting and the other one being the verbal battle against Virat Kohli.

However, it was not Sam who faced ICC’s burden but Kohli after the ‘shoulder-bump’ incident between the two of them. Konstas might have avoided facing consequencs from ICC for the altercation with Kohli, but he might end up in big trouble after he caused a massive blunder in the match.

Australia’s 19-year-old debutant caused destruction in the Indian bowlers with his aggressive batting on Day 1 of MCG Test. He went all-out on India’s premium pacer Jasprit Bumrah, as he scored 34 runs in a single spell. Konstas also became the second-youngest Australian to score a half-century in Test cricket. He eventually got dismissed by Ravindra Jadeja.

However, Konstas caused destruction during the match. After his dismissal, he was even signing autographs and having selfies with his fans in the stands, which might be an open invite to ICC’s sanctions.

According to International Cricket Council’s (ICC) conditions and rules, players and match officials are not allowed to leave their assigned Player and Match Officials Area (PMOA) without getting permission from authorities. This regulation is there to maintain order and make sure that the match goes on without any sort of disturbance.

“Express permission is required to leave the PMOA during the match from the Anti-Corruption Manager (ACM); or, where the ACM is unavailable, the relevant team manager or Match Referee (in the case of a Match Official) who must notify the ACM at the earliest opportunity, ” the rule states.

“Communication devices are prohibited within the PMOA, barring specific exceptions. Without exception, no player shall be in possession of, or use a communication device (such as a mobile phone or a device which is connected to the internet, while in the PMΟΑ). Failure to comply with PMOA regulations may result in financial penalty,” the ICC rules further state.

The ICC has also punished Virat Kohli with 20 per cent o his match fee, along with handing him one demerit point because of his altercation with the Australian debutant. He was on the verge of being banned, but avoided the situation as he accepted the sanctions proposed by match referee Andy Pycroft.

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