The official broadcaster of the Big Bash League (BBL) 2023-24 released footage of Tom Curran allegedly ‘intimidating’ an umpire before Sydney Sixers’ match against Hobart Hurricanes on December 11 in Launceston. Cricket Australia (CA) banned him for four matches due to the incident.
In the video, Curran was observed practicing his run-up on the official 22 yards of the match, a prohibited action worldwide. The umpire attempted to intervene, but the English bowler persisted in repeating the action on the other side.
The umpire positioned himself near the bowling crease on that side, arms crossed, informing Curran that he couldn’t run on the pitch but could do so beside it.
Despite the umpire’s instructions, Curran, seemingly unaware, sprinted nearly at full speed, narrowly avoiding a collision as he passed the umpire at the last moment.
You can watch the video here:
The vision everyone's been waiting for.
This is the series of events that's led to Tom Curran's four-game suspension… pic.twitter.com/CRcBujbIl0
— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) December 21, 2023
Curran faced charges under Article 2.17 of the code of conduct for attempting to intimidate an umpire through language or conduct during a match. Despite contesting the charge, he was found guilty, resulting in the imposed four-match ban.
Sydney Sixers have lodged an appeal against Tom Curran’s four-match ban
The Sydney Sixers have expressed their intent to vigorously appeal Tom Curran’s four-match ban.
“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,” the Sixers’ head Rachael Haynes said. “We will support Tom during this period and look forward to him returning to the field,” he added.
The Sixers, currently third in the BBL table with two victories, will face the Adelaide Strikers on December 22, followed by matches against the Melbourne Stars, Sydney Thunder, and Brisbane Heat on December 26, 30, and January 1, respectively.
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