Security concerns to Virat Kohli forces RCB to cancel practice session ahead of eliminator game
Police provides ‘green corridor’ for RR team to reach practice ground; Ashwin, Chahal skip session
Ahmedabad: As the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) prepare for their crucial IPL 2024 Eliminator match against Rajasthan Royals (RR), the franchise had to cancel its only practice session due to security concerns involving star player Virat Kohli. The session was scheduled to take place at the Gujarat College Ground in Ahmedabad on Tuesday, but was abandoned following security advisories.
According to a report by Anandabazaar Patrika, the cancellation extended to the pre-match press conference, leaving many puzzled by the unexpected decision. The Gujarat Police reportedly indicated that the primary reason for these cancellations was Kohli’s security. Four individuals were arrested in Ahmedabad on suspicion of terrorist activities, further intensifying the security concerns.
"Virat Kohli learned about the arrests after arriving in Ahmedabad. He is a national treasure, and his security is our utmost priority," stated police officer Vijay Singha Jwala. "RCB did not want to take any risks. They informed us there would be no practice session. Rajasthan Royals were also informed about the situation but decided to proceed with their practice."
In response to the potential threat, security around the RCB team hotel was significantly increased. Even IPL-accredited members faced restrictions on entering the premises. A 'green corridor' was established for the Rajasthan Royals to ensure their safe travel to the training ground. Despite this, some RR players, including R Ashwin, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Riyan Parag, opted to stay at the hotel, while captain Sanju Samson arrived late to the practice session.
Strict security measures are expected to be in place for the IPL 2024 Eliminator match between RCB and RR on Wednesday.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Virat Kohli fined 20 per cent match fees, one demerit point for his altercation with Sam Konstas
Melbourne, Dec 26: India superstar Virat Kohli was on Thursday fined 20 per cent of his match fee and handed one demerit point by the ICC following his on-field altercation with Australia debutant Sam Konstas on the opening day of the fourth Test here.
The incident happened in the 10th over when Kohli and the 19-year-old Konstas bumped their shoulders and also exchanged a few words in the first session’s play at the Melbourne Cricket Ground here.
"Article 2.12 of the ICC Code of Conduct relates to: "inappropriate physical contact with a Player, Player Support Personnel, Umpire, Match Referee or any other person (including a spectator during an International Match"," the ICC said on its website.
"No formal hearing was needed as Kohli accepted the sanctions propsed by Match Referee Andy Pycroft. On-field umpires Joel Wilson and Michael Gough, third umpire Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid and fourth umpire Shawn Craig levelled the charge," it added.
While moving across the pitch after the completion of the over, both the players bumped their shoulders and exchanged a few words before Australia opener Usman Khawaja and on-field umpires Gough and Wilson intervened.
Konstas later played down the incident after the end of the play, saying "Virat Kohli accidentally bumped into me, that's cricket and can happen with tension."
"Have a look where Virat walks. Virat's walked one whole pitch over to his right and instigated that confrontation. No doubt in my mind whatsoever."
— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) December 26, 2024
- Ricky Ponting #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/zm4rjG4X9A
Kohli and Konstas come together and make contact 👀#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/adb09clEqd
— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) December 26, 2024
