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Virat Kohli (left) Sydney Sixers (right)
Sydney Sixers all-rounder Tom Curran has been banned for the next four Big Bash League 2023-24 matches for intimidating an umpire. The altercation between the two took place before the start of Sixer's match against Hobart Hurricanes on December 11. Curran did not comply with the match official, leading to charges of intimidation, a serious Level 3 offense under Cricket Australia's code of conduct.
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While attempting to perform his pre-match practice run-ups on the pitch during the warm-up routine, the English cricketer was asked to stop by the umpire, who is responsible for taking care of the surface before the match. However, Curran didn't listen and completed his run before moving to the other end to repeat the same act.
"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," Cricket Australia said in a statement.
"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 added.
The 28-year-old contested against the charge, but was found guilty and handed a four-match suspension. He will miss the upcoming matches against Adelaide Strikers, Melbourne Stars, Sydney Thunder, and Brisbane Heat.
"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.
Sixers to appeal against the sanction
Meanwhile, Sydney Sixers Head Rachael Haynes said the team is going to challenge the decision. He noted that the player did not knowingly or 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.
Curran was recently bought by Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) for INR 1.5 crore in the 2024 Indian Premier League mini-auction. He will be playing for the franchise in the 2024 season.