England cricket star Tom Curran has been banned for the next four matches of the Big Bash League (BBL) following an altercation with an umpire before the start of a match in Launceston. Tom plies his trade for Sydney Sixers in the BBL who have suggested that they would be appealing the sanction.
"The umpire took position next to the stumps, blocking Curran from approaching the pitch and gestured to Curran to move away from the pitch," read an official 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."
The 28-year-old has been charged by match referee Bob Parry for "intimidation or attempted intimidation of an umpire, match referee or medical personnel whether by language or conduct (including gestures) during a match" under Article 2.17. It is pertinent to note that only the captain and the coach can approach the pitch to assess the conditions before the start of play and even then spiked footwear isn't allowed which Curran had put on in this instance.
Club Would Appeal The Four-Match Sanction: Rachael Haynes
The four-match ban on Curran would be vigorously appealed against, suggested Rachael Haynes, head of Sydney Sixers.
"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 as quoted by Cricket Australia (CA).
"We will support Tom during this period and look forward to him returning to the field," he added.
However, in case the ban is upheld, it would be a bit of a setback for third-placed Sixers who had anticipated Curran's services for nine home-and-away matches after retaining him in the BBL Draft.