England all-rounder Tom Curran has been handed a four-match ban in the ongoing Big Bash League for umpire intimidation. Curran, who is currently plying his trade for the Sydney Sixers in the ongoing tournament was handed four demerit points as per the Cricket Australia Code of Conduct Article 2.17 which deals with "intimidation or attempted intimidation of an umpire, match referee or medical personnel whether by language or conduct (including gestures) during a match."
The incident took place on Thursday, December 21 during pre-match drills ahead of the Sixers' clash against the Adelaide Strikers. Curran was doing practice run-ups near the pitch before the umpire asked him to move away. Curran didn't run on the pitch but on the adjacent surface, however, he wasn't listening to the umpire. The umpire then stood at the landing area to prevent Curran from doing his antics again but the Sixers all-rounder didn't pay heed. Curran ran as if he were bowling before changing his lane at the last minute to avoid a collision with the umpire.
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Curran contested the charges against him but was handed four demerit points which amounted to a four-match ban. Sydney Sixers Head Rachael Haynes said that the club will appeal the sanction and is by Tom Curran's side while adding that the all-rounder didn't intentionally intimidate the umpire.
“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 in a Sixers statement.
Sixers are currently unbeaten in the BBL 13 so far having won both their games and would look to continue the winning run although it will be affected by Curran's absence. Curran was recently picked by Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL 2024 auction.
