Sydney Sixers’ player Tom Curran is facing a suspension of four matches for intimidating an umpire

Tom Curran, recently acquired by the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) for IPL 2024, has been handed a four-match suspension in the current Big Bash League 2023/24 in Australia. The Sydney Sixers’ all-rounder encountered an issue with an umpire while conducting pre-match practice run-ups on the pitch, which led to an intimidation charge against him. This incident is considered a serious level 3 offence under Cricket Australia’s code of conduct.

According to a statement from Cricket Australia, the umpire had positioned himself next to the stumps, preventing Curran from accessing the pitch, and signaled for Curran to stay away. However, Curran was seen gesturing for the umpire to move. He then tried to execute a practice run-up directly towards the umpire, who had to step aside to avoid a potential collision.

Despite Curran’s defense, the 28-year-old was found guilty and received a four-match ban. This means he will be absent from the Sydney Sixers’ next four games against the Adelaide Strikers, Melbourne Stars, Sydney Thunder, and Brisbane Heat, scheduled between December 26 and January 1.

The Sydney Sixers are challenging this penalty. Rachael Haynes, the club’s head, stated, “Tom and the club believe that he did not knowingly or intentionally intimidate an official, and based on legal advice, we will appeal the decision. We will support Tom during this time and eagerly await his return to play.”

Curran was recently selected by the Virat Kohli-led RCB in the IPL 2024 mini-auction in Dubai on December 19. The Faf du Plessis-led team acquired him for INR 1.5 crore (15 million).