Twitter ban on Team India

The Indian cricket management in Australia has banned the team from using their social media accounts indefinitely. In the wake of Virat Kohli‘s online rant against Australian fans at the SCG, the management has decided that it would be best for the team to stay clear of more controversies and concentrate on the next two Test matches.

Kohli was punished by the ICC for an obscene gesture at Australian fans who were apparently heckling him. In his defence he tweeted: “I agree cricketers don’t have to retaliate. What when the crowd says the worst things about your mother and sister. The worst I’ve heard.”

His gesture drew a lot of criticism from Indian fans and media.

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.

The ban applies only for the current Indian tour of Australia.