Following his conviction for the level-3 crime of intimidating an umpire, England speed bowler Tom Curran, who is now playing for Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League, was given a four-match ban under Cricket Australia’s code of conduct. But according to their statements, the Sixers would “vigorously appeal” the penalty.
The incident occurred before the commencement of the Sixers’ December 11 game in Launceston versus the Hobart Hurricanes. It was during the teams’ pre-match routines when CA claims Curran was attempting to finish a practice run-up on the pitch. The altercation started when the fourth umpire interfered and prevented Curran from entering the pitch.
“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 stated. “In the video, Curran could be seen motioning for the umpire to leave the pitch. Curran then tried to run straight towards the umpire, who was standing in the bowling crease facing him, as part of a practice run-up. To reduce the chance of a collision, the umpire moved to his right.”
Match referee Bob Parry accused Curran of “intimidation or attempted intimidation of an umpire, match referee, or medical personnel whether by language or conduct (including gestures) during a match” following article 2.17 of the code of conduct. Curran denied the accusation, but he was ultimately found guilty of the crime and given four suspension points, which means he will miss four BBL games.
Later, the Sixers declared that they would challenge the ruling. “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,” Rachael Haynes, the head of the Sixers, said “We will support Tom during this period and look forward to him returning to the field.”