Sydney Sixers star recruit Tom Curran has been suspended for four Big Bash League matches after the allrounder was charged for having an altercation with an umpire.
Curran contested the charge, which occurred during the pre-match build up to the Sixers’ clash against the Hobart Hurricanes on December 11, but failed to overturn the guilty verdict.
Sydney Sixers star Tom Curran suspended for four Big Bash League matches
The English international was initially cited by match referee Bob Parry for "intimidation or attempted intimidation of an umpire" following the match in Launceston.
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Ahead of the fixture, Curran went through a practice run up which resulted in him entering onto part of the pitch.
The umpire subsequently told Curran to avoid doing this again, although he swapped ends and attempted 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," the Commissioner, Adrian Anderson, found in their stated facts within the media release.
"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."
Curran was found guilty of the offence and was issued with a penalty of four suspension points which equates to four matches in the BBL.
However, the club immediately stated they intend to appeal 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," the club's Head, Rachael Haynes, said.
"We will support Tom during this period and look forward to him returning to the field."
What matches could Tom Curran miss for the Sydney Sixers?
If the Sixers are unable to overturn the four-match ban, Curran will miss his side’s clash against the Adelade Strikers (December 26), as well as games against the Melbourne Stars (December 26), Sydney Thunder (December 30) and Brisbane Heat (January 1).