Sydney Sixers are rallying behind their player, Tom Curran, contesting a controversial four-match suspension imposed following an alleged incident of intimidating an umpire during a recent Big Bash League (BBL) match. The English pacer incurred the ban during a game against the Hobart Hurricanes on December 11 in Launceston, sparking a contentious debate around the incident.
According to Cricket Australia (CA), Curran, while performing a pre-match practice run-up, received verbal instructions from the umpire not to run onto the pitch. However, he proceeded to run from the opposite end, prompting the umpire to intervene. Allegedly, Curran gestured for the umpire to move aside, leading to a situation where the umpire had to step away to avoid a collision.
The Code of Conduct Commissioner, Adrian Anderson, charged Curran with a Level 3 offence, citing clause 2.17 of the CA Code of Conduct, specifically related to intimidation or attempted intimidation of an umpire during a match. Despite this, the Sydney Sixers have chosen to exercise their right to challenge the penalty within the allotted seven-day period.
In an official statement from the club, Head of Sydney Sixers Rachael Haynes emphasized, “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.”
Amidst this controversy, the Sydney Sixers have begun the BBL 2023-24 season on a positive note. Last season, they narrowly missed reaching the final, losing to Brisbane Heat in the Challenger. Under the leadership of Moises Henriques, the team has displayed promising form by securing victories in their initial encounters against the Melbourne Renegades and the Hobart Hurricanes.
The upcoming match for the Sixers is scheduled on Friday, December 22, where they will face the Adelaide Strikers at the revered Sydney Cricket Ground.
