The official broadcaster of the Big Bash League (BBL) 2023-24 has released footage suggesting Tom Curran’s ‘intimidating’ behavior towards an umpire before the Sydney Sixers’ match against the Hobart Hurricanes on December 11 in Launceston. Following this incident, Cricket Australia (CA) has imposed a four-match ban on Curran.
In the video, Curran was observed practicing his run-up on the official 22 yards of the match, a practice prohibited globally. Despite the umpire’s attempts to halt him, Curran persisted in repeating the action on the other side of the pitch.
Despite the umpire’s instructions that running on the pitch was not permitted but beside it was acceptable, Curran appeared not to heed the warning. He sprinted near full speed, bypassing the umpire at the last moment, narrowly avoiding a collision.
Curran faced a charge under Article 2.17 of the code of conduct for “intimidation or attempted intimidation of an umpire, match referee, or medical personnel, whether by language or conduct (including gestures) during a match.” Despite contesting the charge, he was found guilty, resulting in the ban.
The Sydney Sixers, where Curran plays a crucial role for nine matches, expressed their intent to “vigorously appeal” against the ban.
The vision everyone's been waiting for.
— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) December 21, 2023
This is the series of events that's led to Tom Curran's four-game suspension… pic.twitter.com/CRcBujbIl0
“Tom and the club assert that Tom did not knowingly or intentionally intimidate a match official, and based on legal counsel, we will pursue our right to challenge the decision,” stated Rachael Haynes, head of the Sixers.