Virat Kohli fined for ICC Conduct breach

Dubai, Jan 5 (IBNS) India batsman Virat Kohli has been fined 50 per cent of his match fee after being found guilty of breaching the ICC's Code of Conduct during the second day's play in the second cricket Test against Australia in Sydney.

Kohli was charged with a Level 2 offence under article 2.2.8 of the code which relates to "Using language or gesture(s) that is seriously obscene, seriously offensive or of a seriously insulting nature to another Player, Player Support Personnel, Umpire, Match Referee or any other third person during an International Match".

"Kohli pleaded guilty to the charge and apologised for his action. As such, under the provisions of the code, I determined the matter as there was no requirement for a full hearing," said Ranjan Madugalle of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees.

The charge was brought by on-field umpires Marais Erasmus and Ian Gould, both from the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Umpires, third umpire Bruce Oxenford from the Emirates International Panel of ICC Umpires, and fourth umpire Gerard Abood.

All Level 2 breaches carry a minimum penalty of a fine equivalent to 50 per cent of a player's match fee up to a maximum penalty of a suspension for two ODIs or two T20Is or one Test.