Tom Curran, the new signing for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the IPL Auction 2024, has recently been embroiled in controversy resulting in a four-match suspension. The incident occurred on December 11, involving Curran, a Sydney Sixers player, and an umpire during his pre-match practice run-ups on the pitch. This episode led to allegations of intimidation against the umpire, considered a severe Level 3 offence under Cricket Australia's code of conduct.
"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.
Despite Curran's defense, he was adjudged guilty and received a suspension that sidelines him for four crucial matches. These games, against teams like the Adelaide Strikers, Melbourne Stars, Sydney Thunder, and Brisbane Heat, are scheduled between December 26th and January 1st. This suspension represents a significant loss for the Sydney Sixers, as Curran was only available for nine home-and-away matches this season due to his upcoming commitments in the ILT20 with Desert Vipers.
The Sydney Sixers, led by Head Rachael Haynes, have voiced their intention to contest the decision. The team asserts that Curran's actions were neither deliberate nor intended to intimidate the match official. Emphasizing that his actions were a regular part of his pre-match routine, the club is preparing a "vigorous appeal" against the sanction. They plan to base their challenge on legal advice, hoping to overturn the decision against Curran.
"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.
"We will support Tom during this period and look forward to him returning to the field," she added.
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