England’s fast-bowling all-rounder Tom Curran has been handed a four-match suspension as he was found guilty of intimidating an umpire before Sydney Sixers' match against Hobart Hurricanes on December 11 at North Tasmania Cricket Association Ground, Launceston.
Curran was charged with a Level 3 offence under Cricket Australia's Code of Conduct. In the new footage which is two minutes and 28 seconds long, the umpire can be seen warming Curran to not run on the pitch as part of his pre-match routine. The umpire stood next to the stumps to block Curran but the latter continued risking collision. He also used cuss words directed at the umpire as he refused to budge.
The footage has been making rounds on social media.
"The umpire took position next to the stumps, blocking Curran from approaching the pitch and gestured to Curran to move away from the pitch," Cricket Australia said in a 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 statement added.
He took three wickets and conceded just 19 runs in his quota of four overs in the match. The 28-year-old has contested the charge. He will miss the matches against Adelaide Strikers, Melbourne Stars, Sydney Thunder, and Brisbane Heat.
Sixers have appealed the sanction as well as they came out in support of their overseas recruit. Rachael Haynes who is the head of the BBL club said, "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."
"We will support Tom during this period and look forward to him returning to the field," she added.
Meanwhile, Curran was picked by Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 mini-auction in Dubai. He was roped in by RCB for his base price of Rs 1.5 crore.
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