Virat Kohli confronts Australian media over family photos at Melbourne airport

PTC Web Desk: Indian cricket legend Virat Kohli had a tense encounter with Australian media at Melbourne Airport, urging a journalist to refrain from photographing his family. Virat Kohli, travelling with his wife Anushka Sharma and children Vamika and Akay, requested a Channel 7 journalist to delete any images of his family. The journalist refused, citing Australian laws that allow photography in public spaces, sparking a brief standoff.

The Indian cricket team landed in Melbourne ahead of the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, set to commence on December 26. The five-match series currently stands tied at 1-1. India claimed a resounding victory in the first Test in Perth, lost the second Test in Adelaide by 10 wickets, and drew the third Test at Brisbane.

As Virat Kohli and his family navigated through the airport, a journalist from Channel 7 filmed them. Kohli politely requested that images of his children be deleted. The journalist assured him that no such photos were taken but declined to delete the footage, referencing local laws permitting photography of celebrities in public spaces.

“I need some privacy with my children. You cannot take pictures without my permission,” Kohli reportedly told the journalist.

After clarifications, Virat Kohli realised there was no violation of his request and amicably resolved the matter, even shaking hands with the journalist.

“Virat Kohli misinterpreted the situation, believing we captured his children’s photos. This was not the case,” the journalist involved was reported as saying.

The cricketer is known for prioritising his family’s privacy, particularly that of his children. He has frequently urged the media to avoid photographing his family without consent.