Royal Challengers Bangalore’s (RCB) new signing Tom Curran has been handed a 4-match ban from the Big Bash League (BBL) following an incident with an umpire. Curran will not be part of the Sydney Sixers squad for the upcoming clash against the Hobart Hurricanes.
Englishman has been charged under Article 2.17 of the code of conduct for “intimidation or attempted intimidation of an umpire, match referee or medical personnel whether by language or conduct (including gestures) during a match”. (IPL 2024: Gujarat Titans Head Coach Ashish Nehra Breaks Silence On Hardik Pandya Leaving Franchise, Lists Reason Why Shubman Gill Was Named Captain)
Tom Curran suspended for 4 BBL matches for intimidating an umpire. pic.twitter.com/h10liX2aqf
Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) December 21, 2023
The tournament said in a statement that following the match on December 11, Curran has been charged with a Level 3 offence under the Cricket Australia Code of Conduct. As per Cricket Australia (CA), prior to the commencement of the match, Curran completed a practice run up in which he ran onto part of the pitch. (IPL 2024 Auction: England Batter Phil Salt SHOCKED After All 10 Franchises Refuse To Buy Him)
He was then verbally instructed by the Umpire not to run on to the pitch. Following this, Curran moved to the opposite end of the pitch to complete another practice run up. The Umpire took position next to the stumps, blocking Curran from approaching the pitch and gestured to Curran to move away from the pitch.
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.
After the game was over, the Match Referee subsequently charged Curran under Article 2.17 of the Code of Conduct for intimidation or attempted intimidation of an Umpire, Match Referee or Medical Personnel whether by language or conduct (including gestures) during a Match.
Curran contested the charge, and the matter was heard by Code of Conduct Commissioner, Adrian Anderson. The Commissioner found that Curran committed the offence and imposed a penalty of four suspension points, equating to four KFC BBL matches.
After the verdict came, Sydney Sixers have announced that they will file an appeal against the decision. “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,” said Rachael Haynes, Head of Sydney Sixers.
RCB Squad For IPL 2024: Faf du Plessis (c), Glenn Maxwell, Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Anuj Rawat, Dinesh Karthik, Suyash Prabhudessai, Will Jacks, Mahipal Lomror, Karn Sharma, Manoj Bhandage, Mayank Dagar, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Akash Deep, Mohammed Siraj, Reece Topley, Himanshu Sharma, Rajan Kumar, Cameron Green, Alzarri Joseph, Yash Dayal, Tom Curran, Lockie Ferguson, Swapnil Singh, Saurav Chauhan. (With IANS inputs)