Cricket star suspended for "intimidating" umpire

England and Sydney Sixers star Tom Curran has been hit with a four-match ban for intimidating a BBL umpire, but his club will “vigorously” contest the ruling.

The Sydney Sixers will appeal the four-match ban slapped on English allrounder Tom Curran for his alleged intimidation of a Big Bash League match official.

Cricket Australia announced Curran had been charged with a level-three offence under clause 2.17 in the code of conduct.

The clause relates to “intimidation or attempted intimidation of an umpire, match referee or medical personnel whether by language or conduct (including gestures) during a match”.

The charge stemmed from an incident during the warm-up before the Sixers’ clash with the Hobart Hurricanes in Launceston on December 11.

In a statement, CA said Curran was involved in an altercation with an umpire after completing a practice bowling run-up in which he ran onto the pitch.

He was instructed not to enter the pitch, then went to the other end 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,” CA said in the statement.

“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 ran 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.”

Curran contested the charge and the matter was heard by code of conduct commissioner Adrian Anderson, who found the player guilty of the offence.

Anderson imposed a penalty of four suspension points, resulting in a four-match ban.

Sixers boss Rachael Haynes said the club would “vigorously” appeal against the sanction.

“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,” Haynes said in a statement.

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

Curran took 3-19 from four overs as the Sixers posted a six-wicket win over the Hurricanes with four balls left.

This article was first published on nzherald.co.nz and is republished here with permission