The Sydney Sixers will appeal against English all-rounder Tom Curran’s four-game ban for allegedly intimidating a Big Bash League match official.
Cricket Australia (CA) announced on Thursday that Curran has been powerd with a level three breach under Section 2.17 of the Code of Conduct. The clause refers to”intimidation or attempted bullying of a referee, match referee or medical staff, whether by speech or behavior (including gestures) during a match”.
The powers stem from an incident during the heat-up before the Sixers’ clash with the Hobart Hurricanes in Launceston on April 11.
In a statement, CA said Curran had been involved in an altercation with a referee after completing a training bowling run during which he ran across the field. He was instructed not to enter the field, and then went to the other end for another training run.
“The referee took a position next to the stumps, prevented Curran from approaching the pitch and beckoned Curran to move away from the pitch,” CA said in the statement.
“Curran could be seen in the pictures, which signaled to the referee to move away from the field. Curran then tried to perform a practice run and run at a straight pace towards the referee, who was standing in the bowling crease against Curran.
The BBL channel the Seven Network released footage of the strange incident on Thursday night.
Curran denied the power 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 omission points, which resulted in a ban from four matches.
Cricket Australia chief executive Nick Hockley declined to comment on details of the incident, but warned players not to behave.
“My feeling is that the players really have to respect the referees and referees of the game,” he said. “I think that these processes are in place for a good reason and my general message to everyone, and not only at the elite level, but also at the community level, where many referees and officials donate their time as volunteers.
“Respect is fundamental to the spirit of cricket and fundamental to the rules of the game. Players are role models in society and it’s really important that they show respect.”
Rachael Haynes, the Sixers chief executive, said the club would “vigorously” appeal against the sanction.
“Tom and the club are arguing that Tom did not knowingly or intentionally intimidate a match official, and following juristic advice, we will exercise our right to appeal the decision,” Haynes said in a statement. “We will be supporting Tom during this time and can’t wait for him to be back on the field.”
Curran took 3-19 after four overs as the Sixers scored a six-wicket win over the Hurricanes by four balls.
