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ToggleSydney Sixers all-rounder Tom Curran has been handed a four-match suspension after an altercation with an umpire before the match against the Hobart Hurricanes. The Sydney Sixers plan to challenge the sanction imposed on Tom Curran in the Big Bash League (BBL).
The incident occurred during the warm-up at the North Tasmania Cricket Association Ground in Launceston on December 11. Curran attempted a practice run-up on the pitch, leading to the fourth umpire’s intervention and subsequent charging of him with a Level 3 offense.
After the incident, match referee Bob Perry charged the England bowler under Article 2.17 of the code of conduct for “intimidation or attempted intimidation of an umpire, match referee, or medical personnel whether by language or conduct (including gestures) during a match.”
The Umpire Stepped To His Right To Avoid Collision – CA
According to Cricket Australia (CA), Tom Curran was warned by the fourth umpire, stationed to oversee the proceedings, to refrain from running on the pitch. However, the bowling all-rounder ran straight at him, prompting the umpire to step aside to avoid a collision.
“The umpire took position next to the stumps, blocking Curran from approaching the pitch and gestured to Curran to move away from the pitch,” the statement read.
“Curran was seen in the footage gesturing to the umpire to move away from the pitch. Curran then attempted to perform a practice run-up and run at pace straight towards the umpire who stood in the bowling crease facing Curran. The umpire stepped to his right to avoid the risk of collision.”
Tom Curran emerged as the standout bowler for the Sydney Sixers against the Hobart Hurricanes, securing three wickets for just 19 runs within his four overs. The Sixers secured a comfortable six-wicket victory in their second match of the ongoing tournament.
Tom Curran Didn’t Intimidate A Match Official – Sydney Sixers’ Head
Tom Curran attempted to appeal the decision after being charged by the match referee. Sydney Sixers’ head Rachael Haynes defended the player, emphasizing that Curran did not intentionally intimidate the match official.
“Tom and the club maintain that Tom did not knowingly or intentionally intimidate a match official, and on legal advice, we will exercise our right to appeal the decision. We will support Tom during this period and look forward to him returning to the field,” Haynes said.
Tom Curran Set To Join Deser Vipers For The ILT20
The ban would be a setback for the Sydney Sixers, who initially expected to have Curran for nine matches after retaining him in the BBL Draft. Curran is scheduled to join the Desert Vipers in the UAE for the ILT20 competition following his stint with the Sixers.
If the ban is upheld, the 28-year-old fast bowler will be absent for the upcoming four BBL 13 matches against the Adelaide Strikers on December 22, the Melbourne Stars on December 26, the Sydney Thunder on December 30, and the Brisbane Heat on January 1.
Curran was acquired by the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) mini-auction in Dubai on December 19. The pacer was acquired by the Bangaluru-based franchise for his base price of Rs 1.50 crore in the accelerated round.
Also read: Watch: Ricky Ponting In Splits As Tom Curran Gets Frightened By Flames Near Boundary
