Watch: Moment Tom Curran intimidated umpire and earnt four-match ban
England all-rounder Tom Curran has been banned for four games in Australia’s Big Bash League for intimidating an umpire and defying the official’s orders in a pre-match altercation.
Curran’s team, the Sydney Sixers, said they will “vigorously” appeal the punishment, even after footage emerged of the run-in, which took place before a game against Hobart Hurricanes on December 11 in Launceston, Tasmania.
The footage shows Curran conducting warm-up exercises, including a mock run-up, following through on to the pitch. The umpire sees him doing this, and instructs that nobody is allowed on the match surface before the game. Curran runs down to the other end to do the same exercise, but the umpire stands in his way, next to the stumps. Curran runs towards him, and a clash is only prevented by the umpire taking evasive action.
The vision everyone's been waiting for.
This is the series of events that's led to Tom Curran's four-game suspension... pic.twitter.com/CRcBujbIl0— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) December 21, 2023
Curran was found guilty of a Level 3 offence under the Cricket Australia Code of Conduct, and handed a four-match ban.
“[The umpire] gestured to Curran to move away from the pitch,” a Cricket Australia statement read. “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 Sixers are appealing the charge, with a statement from Rachael Haynes, the former Australia captain who is now in charge of the club, saying: “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.”
The four-match ban is significant in a tournament that has just a 10-match regular season. He is unavailable until January 3.
Curran, the 28-year-old brother of another England all-rounder Sam, has been a regular fixture for the Sixers in recent years. He has played 60 games across formats for England, including two Tests almost six years ago, but has struggled with back injuries in recent years. He has rebuilt his career by focusing strongly on his T20 batting, and was picked up in this week’s Indian Premier League auction.
