Five biggest cricket controversies of 2024

1. Virat Kohli-Sam Konstas shoulder-bumping incident in Boxing-Day Test

The Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground saw star Indian batter Virat Kohli and 19-year-old debutant Sam Konstas being involved in a heated altercation on Day 1. After the tenth over of the morning session, Konstas walked back to his crease and focused on his gloves. Kohli, tossing the ball in his hand, moved towards him from outside the pitch and the two collided. Replays showed the contact appeared deliberate on Kohli’s part, triggering an exchange of words between the two.

Also Read: WATCH: Sam Konstas mimics Virat Kohli's shoulder push during Boxing Day Test, video goes viral

Usman Khawaja and umpire Michael Gough quickly intervened to defuse the situation. However, the International Cricket Council (ICC) fined Kohli 20% of his match fees and awarded him one demerit point for breaching Level 1 of the Code of Conduct, over inappropriate physical contact.