England all-rounder Tom Curran, who represents the Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League, has been handed a four-match suspension by Cricket Australia for breaching their code of conduct. Cricket Australia took this step after he was found guilty of intimidating the umpire during practice sessions. However, the Sydney Sixers will appeal his suspension.
The incident took place on December 21, 2023, before the BBL match between Hobart Hurricanes and Sydney Sixers. Controversy erupted when Tom Curran was seen running across the field during the pre-match practice session. Now the video of the incident was posted on social media and fans criticized the all-rounder for his actions.
Watch: Tom Curran intimidates the referee
The vision everyone was waiting for.
This is the series of events that led to Tom Curran’s four-game suspension… pic.twitter.com/CRcBujbIl0
– 7Cricket (@7Cricket) December 21, 2023
Analyzing the entire situation, the fourth official intervened and asked Tom Curran to stop, which then took the form of an altercation.
Reflecting on the matter, Cricket Australia issued a statement, in which they stated that in the video it was found that Tom Curran was seen running between the field despite being stopped by the umpire. Curran did not listen to the fourth official who was trying to get Curran’s attention by blocking his path. However, Curran was also seen gesturing to the referee to move off the field.
Cricket Australia further stated that Tom Curran attempted to run at full pace and ran directly in the direction where the umpire was standing. However, the referee moved away to avoid any type of collision.
Cricket Australia’s statement read: “The umpire stood next to the stumps, preventing Curran from approaching the field and gestured for him to move away from the field. In the images Curran is seen gesturing to the referee to move away from the field. Curran then attempted to pre-practice and run at a good pace directly towards the referee who was standing in the bowling area in front of Curran. The referee took a step to the right of him to avoid the risk of collision.”
After further investigation, Tom Curran was found guilty and was charged under article 2.17 of the code of conduct by match referee Bob Parry. The charge reads: “Intimidation or attempted intimidation of a referee, match official or medical staff, whether by language or conduct (including gestures) during a match.”
While Tom Curran was suspended for four games, Sixers manager Rachael Haynes stated that they would appeal the suspension. Haynes said in a statement: “Tom and the club maintain that Tom did not knowingly or intentionally intimidate a match referee and, with 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.”
Tom Curran was recently picked up by the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League 2024 auction. Curran also has batting ability and is known for the variations he makes during the last few overs of the innings.
Tom Curran has played for Rajasthan Royals and Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League before, but he didn’t perform as well for them. Curran will want to improve on his IPL record in the next edition of the tournament.
