Former South Africa cricketer Paul Harris on Thursday dragged India skipper Virat Kohli into the Kagiso Rabada-ICC demerit controversy that has marred the ongoing series against Australia.
Harris, who played for the Proteas between 2007-2011, took to Twitter to air his views after the 22-year-old pacer was handed a two-Test ban for his transgressions.
The former left-arm spinner alleged that the punishment was inconsistent. He alleged that ICC had double standards while dealing with such incidents. To underscore his point, Harris chose Kohli’s example.
“I watched Kohli behave like a clown for three tests here in SA and nothing. Seems to me that ICC either have an issue with Rabada or with the Proteas in general,” Harris wrote on his Twitter.
Rabada has appealed against the Level 2 breach that resulted in a two-match following the incident with Steve Smith during the Port Elizabeth Test.
The governing body confirmed it on Wednesday in a statement, adding that the “ICC will now appoint a Judicial Commissioner at the earliest opportunity and hearing details will be confirmed in due course.”
Typically, once the independent commissioner is appointed within 48 hours of receipt of a players’ notice to appeal, the hearing must be held within seven days. CSA can argue to put Rabada’s suspension on hold while the appeal is pending and therefore allow him to play in the Newlands Test.
He was found guilty of “inappropriate and deliberate physical contact” with Australian captain Steve Smith after dismissing Smith in the first innings. He was fined 50 percent of his match fee and issued three demerit points after a disciplinary hearing following his denial of the charge.
That took his total of points after three previous offences to eight and triggered an automatic two-Test ban.
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!