BBL bombshell as Sixers star Tom Curran fights ban for ‘intimidating an umpire’

English star Tom Curran, playing in the Big Bash League, has been slapped with a four-game ban for allegedly intimidating an umpire.

Sydney Sixers’ English star Tom Curran has copped a four-game ban for allegedly intimidating an umpire, with the club already announcing its plans to appeal.

Curran was charged with a Level 3 offence under the Cricket Australia Code of Conduct for an incident during December 11’s clash against the Hobart Hurricanes.

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He was charged with “intimidation or attempted intimidation of an Umpire, Match Referee or Medical Personnel whether by language or conduct (including gestures)”.

In a statement, Cricket Australia laid out the findings by Code of Conduct Commissioner Adrian Anderson - which Curran contested.

Curran will appeal the ban. (Photo by Simon Sturzaker/Getty Images)

“The Commissioner found:

“Prior to the commencement of the Match Curran completed a practice run up in which he ran onto part of the pitch;

“Curran was 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;

Tom Curran cops four-game ban. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

“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.”

However the Sixers and Curran will appeal 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,” Head of Sydney Sixers Rachael Haynes said.

“We will support Tom during this period and look forward to him returning to the field.”

Originally published as BBL bombshell as Sixers star Tom Curran fights ban for ‘intimidating an umpire’