Tom Curran was charged with a Level 3 offense and issued four Suspension Points under 2.17 of the CA Code of Conduct after his dispute with the Umpire in the pre-match.
Why Tom Curran banned in BBL 2023-24
The England all-rounder Tom Curran was issued with a four-match ban in the BBL 2023 after being found guilty of intimidating the umpire in the pre-match dispute.
According to Cricket Australia, Curran completed a practice run-up and ran on part of the pitch during the warm-up before being verbally instructed by the umpire not to do so again.
On this occasion, a video of the player indulging in an argument with the fourth Umpire was seen. The Umpire asked him not to do a pre-match run-up on the pitch with his spikes on.
The Umpire was in the charge of pitch and tried to stop Tom Curran from running in the spikes over the pitch. But, it seems the player refused to cooperate. Hence the player was charged with Level 3 offense under Cricket Australia’s Code of Conduct.
According to CA, Curran completed an initial practice run-up in which he ran onto part of the pitch by the umpire. Curran then proceeded to the opposite end of the wicket and attempted another practice run-up according to CA
“The umpire took position next to the stumps, blocking Curran from approaching the pitch and gestured to Curran to move away from the pitch,” said 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 toward the umpire who stood in the bowling crease facing Curran. The umpire stepped to his right to avoid the risk of collision,” he added.
Curran was later 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 of the code of conduct.
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.”
Cricket Australia has introduced the Electra Stumps in the ongoing Big Bash League 2023-24 season. Speaking on the tournament, Brisbane Heat holds the top position in the BBL 2023-24 Points Table with 3 victories from 4 matches and earned 7 points.
On the other hand, teams like Melbourne Renegades, Sydney Thunder, Hobart Hurricanes, and Melbourne Stars still struggle to register their maiden victory.
Syndey Sixers will be playing their next BBL match on December 26 at Sydney Cricket Ground.
