English all-rounder Tom Curran has had his appeal to overturn a four-match ban for intimidating an umpire during a recent Big Bash League (BBL) match has been dismissed.
Cricket Australia charged Curran with a level-three offence under clause 2.17 of the code of conduct on December 21. The charge stemmed from an incident during the Sydney Sixers' team warm-up before their match against the Hobart Hurricanes on December 11.
Video footage of the incident depicted Curran seemingly refusing to follow the umpire's directive to stay off the wicket during warm-up.
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Curran said he has “deep regrets” about the way he reacted.
“Across my decade-long professional career I have always sought to have a friendly and respectful relationship with match officials, which I believe is reflected in the lack of prior code of conduct breaches across the world,” Curran added.
“I am genuinely sorry that I chose to continue to practise my run up in the direction of umpire Qureshi, and if he ever thought I sought to make physical contact with him.
“I would like to apologise to everyone that this has affected”, he said.
Curran, an English cricketer capped in all three formats, currently in his fourth season with the Sydney Sixers, proceeded to the other end for an additional practice run-up. He nearly collided with the umpire, who had positioned himself on the bowling crease to prevent Curran from encroaching onto the pitch once again.
This encounter led to a verbal altercation between Curran and the umpire. Cricket Australia announced on December 24 that the Sixers' appeal against the English all-rounder's four-match ban was unsuccessful, and the initial sanction would stand.
"Umpires are part of the lifeblood of cricket and it is essential they are respected and appreciated by players at all levels of the game," CA's General Manager, Big Bash Leagues Alistair Dobson said.
"We acknowledge the remorse Tom's shown following the appeal and look forward to seeing him back in Sixers colours.
"Tom has been a long-time contributor to the BBL and is a clear fan-favourite and someone we hope will continue to play an integral role in the competition moving forward."
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