Virat Kohli fined for breaching ICC code of conduct

India skipper Virat Kohli has been fined 25% of his match fee for showing dissent against the umpire during the third day’s play of second Test against South Africa in Centurion.

“India captain Virat Kohli has been fined 25% of his match fee and received one demerit point for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct during the third day’s play in the second Test against South Africa at Centurion on Monday,” ICC said in a statement.

The incident that occurred in the 25th over of South Africa’s second innings. The Indian captain was seen complaining to umpire Michael Gough about the ball being affected by a damp outfield following a shower in the third session. Kohli then threw the ball on to the ground “in an aggressive manner”, the ICC report said.

Kohli was found to have breached Article 2.1.1 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to “conduct that is contrary to the spirit of the game.”

Kohli pleaded guilty to the offence and accepted the fine proposed by match referee Chris Broad after the charge was levelled by the umpires. A Level 1 breach warrants an official reprimand, a maximum penalty of 50% of a player’s match fee, and one or two demerit points, according to the ICC.

When a player gets four or more demerit points within a two-year period, they are converted into suspension points and a player is banned, according to ICC rules. Two suspension points amount to a ban from one Test or two ODIs or two T20Is, whichever come first.