BBL 2023: England’s Tom Curran loses appeal over intimidating umpire

The Sydney Sixers’ Curran, who has played 30 T20 games for England, was slapped with the punishment following a pre-match incident against the Hobart Hurricanes this month.

FILE PHOTO: England bowler Tom Curran lost his appeal Sunday over a four-match Big Bash League ban for intimidating an umpire, with Cricket Australia saying it was essential that officials were respected. | Photo Credit: DEEPAK KR/ The Hindu

England bowler Tom Curran lost his appeal Sunday over a four-match Big Bash League ban for intimidating an umpire, with Cricket Australia saying it was essential that officials were respected.

The Sydney Sixers’ Curran, who has played 30 T20 games for England, was slapped with the punishment following a pre-match incident against the Hobart Hurricanes this month.

It involved umpire Muhammad Qureshi having to move to avoid a collision with him during a practice run.

It involved the umpire having to move to avoid a collision with him during a practice run.

“Umpires are part of the lifeblood of cricket and it is essential they are respected and appreciated by players at all levels of the game,” said CA general manager Alistair Dobson.

“We acknowledge the remorse Tom’s shown following the appeal and look forward to seeing him back in Sixers colours.”

Curran was charged with “intimidation or attempted intimidation of an umpire, match referee or medical personnel whether by language or conduct (including gestures) during a match”.

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

He appealed the charge with the head of the Sixers Rachael Haynes saying he “did not knowingly or intentionally intimidate a match official”.

But she said Sunday the club accepted the punishment.

“We sought to appeal the original decision based on previous code of conduct cases,” Haynes said.

“Whilst not disagreeing that Tom had breached the code through his conduct, we felt that the charge was inconsistent with other offences. Following the ruling, we respect that not to be the case.”

Curran expresses deep regret

Tom Curran expressed “deep regrets” Sunday after losing the appeal, saying he has always respected match officials.

“Across my decade-long professional career I have always sought to have a friendly and respectful relationship with match officials, which I believe is reflected in the lack of prior code of conduct breaches across the world,” Curran added.

“I am genuinely sorry that I chose to continue to practise my run up in the direction of umpire Qureshi, and if he ever thought I sought to make physical contact with him.

“I would like to apologise to everyone that this has affected.”