Sydney Sixers forward Tom Curran has been suspended for four matches for intimidating a referee before a Big Bash League match, the Sydney Sixers announced on Thursday.
The 28-year-old England international has been charged with a ‘Level 3′ offense under Cricket Australia’s code of conduct over an altercation with the referee during a training session ahead of the Sixers’ match with the Hobart Hurricanes on December 11 in Launceston.
Curran was found guilty of the crime at a hearing, and Sixers president Rachel Haynes said the team and player would “vigorously appeal” the punishment.
Cricket Australia said Curran completed a drill in which he ran on part of the pitch and was ordered by the umpire not to do so. He moved to the opposite end to complete another drill but the umpire took up a position next to the stumps, preventing the player from approaching the pitch.
The California club said in a statement, “Curran was seen in the footage indicating to the referee to move away… Then he tried to perform a running exercise and ran quickly directly towards the referee, who stood in the bowling area facing Curran.”
“The referee moved to his right to avoid the risk of collision.”
Curran will be unavailable for the matches against the Adelaide Strikers, Melbourne Stars, Sydney Thunder and Brisbane Heat.