Virat Kohli has recently been in the news following a controversial incident during the Boxing Day Test against Australia, where he was fined 20% of his match fees for a physical altercation with debutant Sam Konstas.
This fine has raised questions about his earnings from the match and how much he will ultimately take home after deductions.
Match Fees Breakdown
In Test cricket, all Indian players, including Kohli, earn a standard match fee of ₹15 lakhs (1.5 million rupees) per game.
Given that Kohli has been fined 20% of this amount due to his actions on the field, this translates to a deduction of ₹3 lakhs.
Consequently, after the fine, Kohli’s earnings from the Melbourne Test will amount to ₹12 lakhs.
Why Virat Kohli was Charged with a Fine?
The incident that led to the fine occurred when Kohli nudged Konstas with his shoulder while switching sides at the end of an over.
This physical contact sparked a verbal confrontation between the two players, drawing attention and criticism.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) deemed Kohli’s actions a breach of their Code of Conduct, resulting in a Level 1 charge and the associated fine.
Despite this setback, Kohli remains a key figure in Indian cricket and is known for his competitive spirit.
His recent form has been under scrutiny, and he acknowledged that he needs to be more disciplined at the crease to contribute effectively to his team’s success.
Future Earnings Potential
While Kohli’s current match fee stands at ₹15 lakhs per Test, there is potential for increased earnings in future matches.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) introduced a new scheme earlier this year that offers additional match fees for players who participate in more than 75% of Tests in a calendar year.
Under this scheme, players could earn an extra ₹30 lakhs, bringing their total to ₹45 lakhs per match. However, as Kohli has played only 10 out of 15 Tests this year, he does not qualify for this additional compensation.
