After becoming RCB’s new recruit during the IPL Auction 2024, Tom Curran has now found himself in hot water as he was dealt with a four-match ban for trying to intimidate an umpire.
Curran, who was bought for Rs. 1.5 Cr by the Bengaluru-based franchise, found himself at the center of controversy on December 11. The Sydney Sixers player was involved in an incident with an umpire while attempting to perform his pre-match practice run-ups on the pitch. This led to a charge of intimidation against the umpire, a serious Level 3 offence under Cricket Australia’s code of conduct.
“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 statement read.
“Curran was seen in the footage gesturing to the umpire to move away from the pitch.
“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,” said CA in a statement.
Despite Curran’s contestation, he was found guilty and handed a four-match suspension, which will see him absent from upcoming games against the Adelaide Strikers, Melbourne Stars, Sydney Thunder, and Brisbane Heat.
The dates of these matches span from December 26th to January 1st, marking a significant period of absence for the all-rounder who was only available for nine home-and-away matches this season due to subsequent commitments in the ILT20 competition with Desert Vipers.
The Sydney Sixers Head Rachael Haynes expressed the side’s intent to challenge the decision, maintaining that Curran did not knowingly or intentionally intimidate the match official. The club is set to “vigorously appeal” the sanction, relying on legal advice and the argument that Curran’s actions were part of his regular pre-match routine.
“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,” Haynes said.
“We will support Tom during this period and look forward to him returning to the field.”
