Sydney Sixers star Tom Curran has served a four-match ban for allegedly intimidating a referee, with the club already announcing plans to appeal.
Curran, a sought-after T20 all-rounder who was once the most expensive player in the history of the IPL auction, has been charged with a Level 3 offense under Cricket Australia’s code of conduct for an incident during the December 11 match against the Hobart Hurricanes.
He was charged with “intimidating or attempting to intimidate a referee, match referee or medical staff, whether by language or behavior (including gestures).”
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In a statement, Cricket Australia laid out Code of Conduct Commissioner Adrian Anderson’s findings – which Curran disputed.
“The commissioner found:
“Before the start of the match, Curran completed a drill in which he ran on part of the pitch;
“Curran was given verbal instructions by the referee not to take to the pitch;
“Curran then moved to the other end of the pitch to complete another drill;
“The umpire took his position next to the stumps, prevented Curran from approaching the pitch and motioned to Curran to move away from the pitch;
“Curran was seen in the footage signaling to the referee to move off the field;
“Curran then attempted to perform a running drill and ran quickly straight towards the referee, who stood in the bowling line facing Curran. The referee moved to his right to avoid the risk of collision.
However, the Sixers and Curran will appeal the decision.
Sydney Sixers president Rachel Haynes said: “Tom and the club confirm that Tom did not intentionally or intentionally intimidate the match referee, and based on legal advice, we will exercise our right to appeal the decision.”
“We will support Tom during this period and look forward to his return to the field.”