England cricket star Tom Curran is facing a four-match ban in the Big Bash League (BBL) after an incident involving alleged intimidation of an umpire. The Sydney Sixers, Curran’s club, expressed their intention to appeal the decision, asserting that the intimidating act was not intentional.
The fast bowler, known for his slick performances and with 30 T20 games under his belt for England, received the suspension after being charged under Cricket Australia’s code of conduct. The incident occurred during a pre-match practice run against the Hobart Hurricanes earlier this month, where the umpire had to move to avoid a collision with Curran.
The charge against Tom Curran specifically relates to “intimidation or attempted intimidation of an umpire, match referee, or medical personnel, whether by language or conduct (including gestures) during a match.” Despite Curran contesting the charge, Code of Conduct Commissioner Adrian Anderson found him guilty and imposed a penalty of four suspension points, equivalent to missing four BBL matches.
Head of the Sydney Sixers, Rachael Haynes, expressed the club’s disagreement with the decision and pledged to appeal the sanction vigorously. She emphasized that both Tom Curran and the club maintain that the alleged intimidation was neither knowing nor intentional. The decision to appeal is based on legal advice, and the club is committed to supporting Curran throughout this challenging period.
The incident adds a layer of controversy to Tom Curran’s otherwise illustrious cricket career, and the outcome of the appeal will be closely watched by cricket enthusiasts and followers of the Big Bash League. The Sydney Sixers, standing by their player, aim to have the suspension overturned, allowing Curran to return to the field without the stain of the ban.
