ICC gives clean chit to Kohli for using walkie talkie

The International Cricket Council on Thursday gave a clean chit to India captain Virat Kohli who was seen using a walkie talkie during the first T20 International against New Zealand in New Delhi.

Kohli was sitting at the dug-out during Wednesday's match and TV footage showed him talking on the walkie talkie at the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium.

"While walkie talkie is used by support staff to communicate between dug out and the dressing room, Kohli had sought permission from Venue ACU manager before using it," an ICC official, who did not wished to be named, said.

There were some media reports that suggested Kohli had violated ICC regulations by using a communication device during a match.

But Kohli had sought the ICC's Anti Corruption Security Unit's permission to use a walkie talkie.

Though use of mobile phones is banned in the dressing room, players and support staff have access to walkie talkies under ICC rules.

India won the opening match of the three-match series by 53 runs to take a 1-0 lead.

Image: India captain Virat Kohli.

Photograph: BCCI