Tom Curran to appeal four-match ban for alleged intimidation of umpire

The Sydney Sixers will appeal the four-match ban slapped on English allrounder Tom Curran for his alleged intimidation of a Big Bash League match official.

Cricket Australia (CA) on Thursday announced Curran had been charged with a level-three offence under clause 2.17 in the code of conduct. The clause relates to “intimidation or attempted intimidation of an umpire, match referee or medical personnel whether by language or conduct (including gestures) during a match”.

The charge stemmed from an incident during the warm-up before the Sixers’ clash with the Hobart Hurricanes in Launceston on 11 December.

In a statement, CA said Curran was involved in an altercation with an umpire after completing a practice bowling run-up in which he ran onto the pitch. He was instructed not to enter the pitch, and then went to the other end to complete another practice run-up.

“The umpire took position next to the stumps, blocking Curran from approaching the pitch and gestured to Curran to move away from the pitch,” CA said in the statement.

“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.”

BBL broadcaster the Seven Network released footage of the bizarre incident late on Thursday night.

Curran contested the charge and the matter was heard by code of conduct commissioner Adrian Anderson, who found the player guilty of the offence. Anderson imposed a penalty of four suspension points, resulting in a four-match ban.

Cricket Australia boss Nick Hockley refused to comment on the specifics of the incident but warned players they needed to behave.

“My feeling is that players really need to respect the umpires and the match referees,” he said. “I think that those processes are in place for good reason and my overarching message to everybody, and this is not just at the elite level, but at the community level where many of the umpires and officials give their time as volunteers.

“Respect is fundamental to the spirit of cricket and it’s fundamental to the laws of the game. Players are role models in society and it’s really important they show respect.”

Sixers boss Rachael Haynes said the club would “vigorously” appeal against the sanction.

“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 in a statement. “We will support Tom during this period and look forward to him returning to the field.”

Curran took 3-19 from four overs as the Sixers posted a six-wicket win over the Hurricanes with four balls left.