Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting has faced criticism on social media, particularly from Indian fans, for his call for disciplinary action against cricket star Virat Kohli following an incident involving a shoulder charge on debutant Sam Konstas. Ponting has expressed his discontent with the International Cricket Council (ICC) for imposing what he considers a lenient punishment on Kohli. The ICC match referee, Andy Pycroft, classified the incident as a Level 1 offence, resulting in a 20% fine of Kohli's match fee and the addition of a demerit point. Level 1 violations can incur a minimum penalty of an official reprimand and a maximum of 50% of a player's match fee, along with one or two demerit points.

The charge was brought forth by on-field umpires Joel Wilson and Michael Gough, along with third umpire Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid and fourth umpire Shawn Craig.

Kohli was found to have violated Article 2.12 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which addresses "inappropriate physical contact with a Player, Player Support Personnel, Umpire, Match Referee, or any other individual (including a spectator during an International Match)."

The incident took place at the conclusion of the 10th over of Australia's innings on Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne, when Kohli approached batter Sam Konstas and made an inappropriate shoulder contact with him.

Kohli acknowledged the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by Andy Pycroft from the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees, thus eliminating the necessity for a formal hearing.

‘Not harsh enough’: Ponting on ICC's 20% fine for Kohli

Ponting expressed his belief that the penalty imposed was insufficient. He stated, "In my opinion, the severity of the punishment does not meet the gravity of the situation. There have been previous instances where fines ranged from 15% to 25%, but we must consider the scale of this incident. It was the most viewed day of cricket globally for the entire year. If a similar occurrence were to take place in a lower-grade match, what would the repercussions be? I fear that it may lead people to perceive such behavior as nearly acceptable," Ponting remarked on Channel 7 prior to the commencement of Day 2.

Ponting acknowledged that there have been previous occasions where players have faced similar penalties; however, he emphasized that the situation should be different for Kohli due to his status as a role model.

"Regrettably, for someone like Virat, as we have been informed as captain and players... there are times when circumstances vary for certain individuals. He is a role model. He is someone whom the world admires," he remarked.

Sunil Gavaskar, the legendary Indian cricketer who participated in the same pre-match discussion, expressed his hope that this incident would not define Kohli's legacy.

"That is merely a minor reprimand. All these athletes are highly compensated professionals. Any fines should serve as a deterrent. It is stipulated that a specific amount must be fined. While it is understandable that the ICC match referee adhered to the regulations and the playing conditions, I sincerely hope that Kohli, who has been one of the greatest players globally, is not remembered for this incident. He should be celebrated for his achievements with the bat," he stated.