Tom Curran handed four-match ban

England and Sydney Sixers all-rounder Tom Curran has been handed a four-match ban for intimidating an umpire before a Big Bash League (BBL) 2023/24 game, the team said on Thursday.

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The 28-year-old England international was charged with a “Level 3” offence under the Cricket Australia Code of Conduct for his altercation with the official during a practice session ahead of the Sixers’ clash with the Hobart Hurricanes on Dec. 11 in Launceston.

🚨 Tom Curran has been suspended for four #BBL13 matches after getting into an altercation with the umpire before the start of a match in Launceston

Sydney Sixers will file an appeal against the decision pic.twitter.com/hqeo3huoJ8

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) December 21, 2023

Tom Curran was found guilty of the offence at a hearing and Sydney Sixers head Rachael Haynes said the team and the player would “vigorously appeal” the sanction.

Cricket Australia said Tom Curran completed a practice run-up in which he ran onto part of the pitch and was instructed by the umpire not to.

He moved to the opposite end to complete another practice run-up but the umpire took a position next to the stumps, blocking the player from approaching the pitch.

The vision everyone’s been waiting for.

This is the series of events that’s led to Tom Curran’s four-game suspension… pic.twitter.com/CRcBujbIl0

— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) December 21, 2023

“[Tom] Curran was seen in the footage gesturing to the umpire to move away… He then attempted to perform a practice run up and run at pace straight towards the umpire who stood in the bowling crease facing Curran,” Cricket Australia said in a statement.

“The umpire stepped to his right to avoid the risk of collision.”

Tom Curran will be unavailable for matches against Adelaide Strikers, Melbourne Stars, Sydney Thunder and Brisbane Heat.