/betbarter/media/agency_attachments/3YXcMKaocLoKtpo5Mw2o.png)
/betbarter/media/media_files/CHQOfgExSpAZ2HpKSr6H.png)
Royal Challengers Bangalore (Source: Twitter)
In an interesting set of news from the Big Bash League (BBL) 2023-24, Sydney Sixers (SIX) all-rounder Tom Curran has received a four-match suspension after an altercation with an umpire. The incident occurred before the team's match against the Hobart Hurricanes at the North Tasmania Cricket Association Ground in Launceston on December 11.
After the incident, observed by match referee Bob Perry, the English player is facing charges under Article 2.17 of the code of conduct, cited for "intimidation or attempted intimidation of an umpire, match referee, or medical personnel, whether by language or conduct (including gestures) during a match."
As per Cricket Australia (CA), the incident occurred during Tom Curran's pre-match routine when he was practising run-ups on the pitch. The fourth umpire who was stationed to oversee proceedings issued a warning to Curran, who then moved to the opposite end. Dissatisfied with the fourth umpire blocked Curran's path, instructing him not to run on the pitch. Curran gestured for the official to move, running straight at him, prompting the umpire to sidestep to avoid a collision.
"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," CA's statement.
In the recent mini-auction for the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) in Dubai, he was bought by the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).
Sydney Sixers set to appeal the decision taken against their pacer
Despite Tom Curran's attempt to appeal the match referee's charge, the four suspension points leading to a guilty verdict have been upheld. As per the franchise Head, Rachael Haynes assured that the Sydney Sixers franchise will defend Tom and will be appealing for withdrawing the decision.
"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.