Sydney Sixers face a setback as allrounder Tom Curran’s controversial BBL season concludes abruptly due to a knee injury sustained in their recent match against Melbourne Stars. Curran, who faced a four-match ban earlier in the tournament for an incident with the fourth umpire, will now return to the UK for further assessment, casting doubt on his availability for the ILT20 deal with Desert Vipers.
Curran’s injury comes at a crucial juncture for the Sixers as they aim to secure a spot in the BBL finals. Despite his absence in the remaining regular-season games and the subsequent finals, the team will have Steven Smith available for the upcoming clash against Sydney Thunder.
The full extent of Curran’s injury remains unknown, and the Sixers’ statement indicates that further assessment will be conducted in the UK. His absence may potentially pave the way for Hayden Kerr’s return to the side, depending on the team’s strategic balance.
Curran, known for his impactful performances, had a standout game against Hobart Hurricanes, claiming 3 for 19. However, his season has been marred by controversies, including the ban imposed for intimidating the fourth umpire. In the statement, Curran expressed genuine remorse for his actions and emphasized that he never intended to make physical contact with Umpire Qureshi.
The Sixers, now navigating the latter stages of the BBL without Curran, face additional challenges as they also anticipate the absence of James Vince for the finals due to his ILT20 commitments with Gulf Giants. The team will need to regroup and strategize to maintain their competitive edge in the upcoming crucial fixtures.
