Ponting criticizes ICC’s lenient sanction against Kohli

The Boxing Day Test between Australia and India was dramatic both on and off the field. Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has criticized the International Cricket Council (ICC) for its “lenient” sanction on Indian star Virat Kohli following an incident with debutant Sam Konstas.

Ricky Ponting: “It’s not tough enough”

Ponting did not mince his words. He called the ICC’s decision inadequate and pointed to the possible broader consequences of such incidents. “Personally, I don’t think it was tough enough,” Ponting said during a Channel 7 broadcast. “Imagine if this happened now in a grade game. “People might start to think it’s acceptable.”

The incident occurred during Australia’s 10th innings on Day 1. Kohli was seen walking towards Konstas and deliberately bumping his shoulder against the young batsman. On-field umpires Joel Wilson and Michael Gough, along with third umpire Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid and fourth umpire Shawn Craig, charged Kohli under Article 2.12 of the ICC Code of Conduct.

Kohli accepted the charges

Match referee Andy Pycroft determined this to be a level 1 offence. Kohli was fined 20% of his match fee and a demerit point. Level 1 offenses generally carry sanctions ranging from an official caution to a maximum of 50% of the match fee and up to two demerit points.

“What did you do wrong……?”, Nathan Lyon mocks KL Rahul for his batting position in Boxing Day Test at MCG

Kohli accepted the charge and the ban without appeal. This might have put an end to the matter, but it has not stopped criticism of the ICC.

Ponting’s comments have not gone down well with many Indian fans. Many took to social media to denounce what they thought was an unnecessary attack on Kohli. But Ponting stood by his words and said setting high standards is important, especially during big games.

“This wasn’t just any game; It’s the Boxing Day test. “Millions were watching,” he added.

Legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar entered the debate and offered a more balanced view. While he agreed that Kohli was wrong, he said the punishment fit the crime. “Let’s not make a mountain out of a molehill. “The punishment fits the crime,” he said in a post-match interview.

Stay up to date with all the cricket action, follow Cricadio in WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Telegramand instagram