Credit: X
England all-rounder Tom Curran has received a four-game in Big Bash League for an altercation with an umpire ahead of the game between Sydney Sixers and Hobart Hurricanes. The incident occurred in Launceston on December 11 as the Sixers' star was completing his practice run-up on the pitch during the warm-up.
Also Read: India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2024 clash to take place on June 9 in New York: Reports
The fourth umpire for the Sixers - Hurricanes game tried stop Tom Curran after he completed a practice run-up where he ran onto part of the pitch at UTAS Stadium. Then, Curran moved to the other end of the pitch and attempted to complete another practice run-up. The incident led the Surrey all-rounder to be charged with a Level 3 offence under the Cricket Australia code of conduct.
Curran pleaded against the charge but was found guilty and was slapped with four suspension points leading to a four-game ban. With suspension, the 28-year-old will miss games against Adelaide Strikers (December 21), Melbourne Stars (December 26), Sydney Thunder (December 30) and Brisbane Heat (January 1).
The statement released by Cricket Australia, on the incident, said: "The umpire took position next to the stumps, blocking Curran from approaching the pitch and gestured to Curran to move away from the pitch."
"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," the statement continued.
Also Read: Alzarri Joseph named vice-captain of West Indies squad for Australia tour
The Head of Sydney Sixers, Rachael Haynes, reacted to the incident and stated that team is behind Curran and will support him in this period. "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," Haynes said. "We will support Tom during this period and look forward to him returning to the field."
