“He’s taken it to heart”: Sixers concerned for Curran, suggest vision is out of context

Tom Curran is concerned about the “assassination of his character” after a tumultuous week for the English import, his Big Bash captain has revealed.

Sydney Sixers skipper Moises Henriques, speaking to Fox Cricket the day after vision of Curran’s disrespect was released, suggested the incident was taken out of context.

Curran, 28, was on Thursday banned for four games for “intimidation or attempted intimidation of an umpire” after being instructed to stay off the pitch prior to a game against the Hobart Hurricanes.

The all-rounder then performed the same act and almost collided with a match official, prompting the charge.

“I’m very surprised,” Henriques told Fox Cricket.

“We obviously don’t condone any behaviour untoward toward the umpire or any umpiring staff.

“But I still can’t quite understand the decision. I also don’t have all the information at hand.

“I’ve known Tom for a long time, played with him at Surrey, he’s been a big part of the Sixers for a long time and I just can’t help but think we haven’t quite understood the context of the altercation. He’s a great man, he’s a real leader in the community, he’s a leader among our team.

“I’m still struggling to comprehend that sort of penalty for what he’s done.”

Curran is also understood to have called the official a “f—head”.

The vision of Curran posted by 7Cricket has amassed over seven million views on X (Twitter) alone, with the vast majority of responses critical of the Englishman.

Veteran cricket writer Peter Lalor has labelled the incident “arrogant”, yet Henriques says that’s not a view reflective of Curran.

“We’re definitely going to appeal. All of the players and all of our staff are behind him,” he added.

“It’s been a pretty tough time for TC this last 11 days sitting on this and knowing what he’s like. He’s taken it to heart, he’s really worried about the assassination of the character there.

“It’s a big claim, I’m wishing him the best.”

The Sixers went on to win a final-ball thriller against the Adelaide Strikers without Curran’s services on Friday night.

An appeal date is yet to be set.