[VIDEO] Tom Curran banned for 4 games for this in BBL 13, OTT or Justified punishment?

[MenInG]

KFC Big Bash League Statement

December 21, 2023

Sydney Sixers player Tom Curran has been charged with a Level 3 offence under the Cricket Australia Code of Conduct following his side’s KFC BBL|13 match against the Hobart Hurricanes on December 11.

Curran was charged by the Match Referee under Article 2.17 of the Code of Conduct for intimidation or attempted intimidation of an Umpire, Match Referee or Medical Personnel whether by language or conduct (including gestures) during a Match. The incident took place during the team’s pre-match warm-up.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1737800965003112483

The Commissioner found:

Prior to the commencement of the Match Curran completed a practice run up in which he ran onto part of the pitch;
Curran was verbally instructed by the Umpire not to run on to the pitch;

Following this, Curran moved to the opposite end of the pitch 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;

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.

Curran contested the charge, and the matter was heard by Code of Conduct Commissioner, Adrian Anderson. The Commissioner found that Curran committed the offence and imposed a penalty of four suspension points, equating to four KFC BBL matches.

 

[MenInG]

KFC Big Bash League Statement

December 21, 2023

Sydney Sixers player Tom Curran has been charged with a Level 3 offence under the Cricket Australia Code of Conduct following his side’s KFC BBL|13 match against the Hobart Hurricanes on December 11.

Curran was charged by the Match Referee under Article 2.17 of the Code of Conduct for intimidation or attempted intimidation of an Umpire, Match Referee or Medical Personnel whether by language or conduct (including gestures) during a Match. The incident took place during the team’s pre-match warm-up.

The Commissioner found:

Prior to the commencement of the Match Curran completed a practice run up in which he ran onto part of the pitch;
Curran was verbally instructed by the Umpire not to run on to the pitch;

Following this, Curran moved to the opposite end of the pitch 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;

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.

Curran contested the charge, and the matter was heard by Code of Conduct Commissioner, Adrian Anderson. The Commissioner found that Curran committed the offence and imposed a penalty of four suspension points, equating to four KFC BBL matches.

The Sydney Sixers and all-rounder Tom Curran have tonight confirmed their intention to lodge an appeal against the 4-match sanction handed down under the Cricket Australia Code of Conduct.

Curran was charged with a Level 3 offence and issued with four Suspension Points under clause 2.17 of the CA Code of Conduct following a BBL match in Launceston earlier this month.

Clause 2.17 relates to ‘Intimidation or attempted intimidation of an Umpire or Match Referee whether by language or conduct (including gestures) during a Match.’.

During a hearing before Code of Conduct Commissioner Adrian Anderson, Curran outlined how, while conducting his usual pre-match run ups prior to play, he had run towards the stumps, where the match official was standing.

Commissioner Anderson found Curran guilty of the charge and ordered the 4-match sanction. All parties have seven days to appeal the ruling by the Commissioner.

Head of Sydney Sixers Rachael Haynes said Curran and the club would vigorously appeal the sanction, while providing support for Curran:

“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. We will support Tom during this period and look forward to him returning to the field.”

Neither the club, nor Tom Curran, will be making further comment until the matter has concluded.

Sydney Sixers statement regarding Tom Curran | Sydney Sixers

Enjoy the fun and excitement of the KFC T20 Big Bash League with international stars playing alongside Australia’s best home grown talent.

www.sydneysixers.com.au

 

[MenInG]

Poll added

 

[Human786]

He is behaving like the jerk he always has been & this ban is a easy let off imo !

 

[Major]

what a fool.

The pitch is the protected area and you cant run on it even during match unless you are bowling.

The way he tried to ran in to the umpire or whoever the guy was, Curran should had been dealt more harshly. He clearly was trying to provoke a collision that could had ended up in a fight.

He is not a new guy, he has played lots of cricket. What an idiot.

 

[FearlessRoar]

I agree it was rude, but banning is not justified. Umpires make many errors during umpiring, and have they been given a ban?

 

[DeadlyVenom]

The ban is totally fine and justified.

 

[Smbhayi]

Totally justified.. even in local gully tennis cricket tournaments committee won't allow practice on pitch..

 

[Major]

I agree it was rude, but banning is not justified. Umpires make many errors during umpiring, and have they been given a ban?

He ran on to the pitch. First time he did it, they would had ignored it, but the second time he not only deliberately went over to the danger zone of the pitch, he also almost collided with the umpire on purpose.

They probably had to reroll that area of the pitch.

 

[Rana]

100% justified

 

[deltexas]

I agree it was rude, but banning is not justified. Umpires make many errors during umpiring, and have they been given a ban?

Umpires make " honest unintentional " errors. This was not an " honest " mistake. This was " totally intentional " . He did it inspite of the umpire asking him to stay away from pitch. 4 match ban totally deserved.

 

[Markhor]

Deserved.

If this gets a 4 match ban, I wonder what suspension Colin Croft would've got today for actually barging into NZ umpire Fred Goodall during a Test !

 

[Champ_Pal]

He was being a jerk and deserved the ban. What a complete tool.

 

[da_don]

white privilidge.. should have been given a harsher punishment.. would have been a much bigger deal if it was a person of color

 

[Saj]

What on earth was he thinking?

Very strange behaviour from an experienced cricketer.

What was he trying to achieve from such ridiculous behaviour.

 

[MenInG]

What on earth was he thinking?

Very strange behaviour from an experienced cricketer.

What was he trying to achieve from such ridiculous behaviour.

Almost as if it was premeditated

 

[sweep_shot]

Ban is fully justified.

 

[Buffet]

Should have been a longer ban. Trying to collide with umpire twice after being told to not run there.

 

[Cricket Warrior]

This man is totally crazy.

The ban is totally justified. I would even say that a 4 game ban is a bit lenient for him it must be a ban for the entire BBL season.

 

[kingusama92]

100% deserving of a ban.

Did he have issues with the umpiring crew before this?

 

[charlie007]

Shouldn’t have done it after being warned. Hope it’s a “lesson learnt” for him.

 

[BaaliSoda]

IIRC, this guy is known for his short temper and bad boy behavior (in the past).

IMO, 4 match ban is just too lenient for such petulant repeat offenders.

There was also few in twitter hinting at possible racism angle (had the ump not been a recent indian sub continental immigrant to Australia, say a white ump for example then this player may not have behaved in this way).

 

[Firebat]

What pathetic behaviour. Must have woken up on the wrong side of the bed.

This guy has been a professional cricketer for years. Surely this is not a new concept to him??

 

[Devadwal]

Disgraceful behaviour by Curran .what was he even thinking ?

 

[Caved12]

All players know that they can't run or even walk on the pitch from the time they started playing cricket in schools. If I were the coach of his team, I would throw him out of my team for at least a season for doing this.

 

[BouncerGuy]

Tom Curran made life hard for him in this BBL. His behavior was very childish TBH.

 

[BouncerGuy]

Sixers call in groundsman to give evidence as Curran affair gets ugly

The Sydney Sixers’ attempt to defend the behaviour of star international recruit Tom Curran will hinge on a legal interpretation of whether the Englishman deliberately tried to ‘intimidate’ an umpire and further evidence from a groundsman in earshot of an exchange between the pair.

It comes as Cricket Australia boss Nick Hockley and former international umpire Simon Taufel declared that greater respect must be shown to officials.

Curran has been banned for four Big Bash matches for intimidating an umpire before a game between the Sixers and Hobart Hurricanes on December 11.

Cricket Australia confirmed on Thursday evening the England international had been found guilty of a level three offence and issued with four suspension points for “attempted intimidation of an umpire, match referee or medical personnel whether by language or conduct (including gestures) during a match.”

Curran was told before play by umpire Muhammad Qureshi not to complete another bowling run-through on the pitch. At the top of his mark, down the other end of the field, Curran gestured at Qureshi to move to the side, but the match official stood his ground to block the Sixers star.

Curran looked directly at Qureshi before charging towards him. The umpire then had to move out of the way to avoid contact with the fast bowler.

The Sixers informed CA on Thursday evening of their intent to appeal after a formal hearing on Wednesday.

CA has five days to appoint a new commissioner for another hearing, but the Sixers are keen for the process to be expedited given they have upcoming matches, one of which is on Boxing Day against the Melbourne Stars at the SCG.

The Sixers are not disputing that Curran ran towards the umpire and privately accept it was an avoidable situation, but will argue he was not deliberately trying to intimidate Qureshi.

The case will come down to the interpretation of the word ‘intimidate’. The Sixers are likely to argue that this was more a case of ignorance and disrespect, rather than a form of intimidation.

The Sixers’ legal representatives were surprised that Curran, who completes a similar warm-up before most games, was found guilty.

There has also been disagreement over what Curran said to Qureshi after the bowler ran through and turned back.

Qureshi gave evidence at Wednesday’s hearing. Sources with knowledge of the situation have told this masthead that Qureshi was furious about what happened and alleged that Curran called him a “f—head”.

The Sixers and Curran vehemently deny this, so much so that they called in a local groundsman, who was standing close by during the incident, to give his version of events.

It is understood the groundsman, who is based in Launceston, claims that he heard Curran call the umpire an “idiot”.

An independent witness was called to the hearing because audio from the stump microphone was not clear for the entire incident.

Curran is said to be extremely upset over the episode and has faced a barrage of public criticism since the story.

Should the Sixers and Curran lose their appeal, the Englishman could face a longer stint on the sidelines.

“Right or wrong, you cannot intimidate an umpire like that,” said former Australian international Brad Hodge. “That is as bad as it gets in terms of physicality towards an umpire.”

Hockley was asked about the incident on Friday in Melbourne.

“Players really need to respect the umpires and the match referees,” Hockley told reporters. “Respect is fundamental to the spirit of cricket, and it’s fundamental to the laws of the game. Players are role models in society, and it’s really important they show respect.”

Meanwhile, Taufel believes a better example should have been set and raised concerns over general player behaviour.

“Player behaviour should be more a responsibility of the clubs and the teams than anyone else,” Taufel told this masthead.

“It’s about doing the right thing for the game and sending the right messages to the current players and future generation of players. How do we want our kids to grow up and play the game of cricket?

“From what I have seen, a lot of the reaction has been, what are they doing to appeal the outcome? That doesn’t necessarily seem right or comfortable. What are they doing to discourage further examples of poor behaviour or breaches of behavioural standards?

“What I will say is that player behaviour, having been a chairperson of a district cricket association, having been an umpire, having been a player and a match referee … I think player behaviour is an issue for clubs.”
​

SOURCE: SMH

 

[RidiculousMan]

Totally deserved the ban.

 

[RidiculousMan]

IIRC, this guy is known for his short temper and bad boy behavior (in the past).

IMO, 4 match ban is just too lenient for such petulant repeat offenders.

There was also few in twitter hinting at possible racism angle (had the ump not been a recent indian sub continental immigrant to Australia, say a white ump for example then this player may not have behaved in this way).

Half of the English team is like that. They have had past incidents too.

 

[MANU ROY]

Just 4 matches ban Should be given more matches ban

 

[The Bald Eagle]

Wasim Akram liked the post of Brad Hogg related to Tom Curran incident. It means he shares the same thoughts as Hogg.

 

[The Bald Eagle]

Moises Henriques the latest entrant to come forward in support of Tom Curran.

 

[MenInG]

The Curran effect?

 

[cricketjoshila]

Was he ok? This is not normal behaviour.

 

[MenInG]

Was he ok? This is not normal behaviour.

I was wondering too.

Almost like he was angry about something and wanted to take it out on someone.

 

[FearlessRoar]

Was he ok? This is not normal behaviour.

I agree he made a mistake, but imposing a ban is not justified. At most, they should have fined him.

 

[Caved12]

Trust me he would have listened and respected the official if he was someone white.

I don't know why Wasim and others are trying to defend him when Curran continued to run on the pitch ever after being warned. Wasim Akram is always supporting the wrong, but can't expect anything better from him as he himself fixed matches, did cocaine and went to night clubs etc during ICC tournaments.

 

[Caved12]

I agree he made a mistake, but imposing a ban is not justified. At most, they should have fined him.

Not really, It was much more than a mistake. First he made a mistake, then another and then almost injured or hit the official if he did not move out of the way. 4 games is nothing, should have been banned for a month or two.

 

[big_gamer007]

He deserved it. He’s not a rookie, he should have known better to not run on the pitch especially once the umpire told him not to.

 

[Asad T]

I'm not one for cancle culture. But Tom Curran should be canceled for a bit longer than 4 games, imo. What is he did was not just silly, but dangerous too.

 

[Maliq_Mudasir]

Disgusting act, surprised he got just 4 matches ban.

 

[BouncerGuy]

If there was any Pakistan player, who did such stuff than the ban could have been much longer than what Tom got.

 

[The Bald Eagle]

Acted like a petulant child’: Cowan joins Curran debate as Sixers vow to back their man​

Former Australia international Ed Cowan believes the Sydney Sixers have every right to appeal Tom Curran’s four-game ban for intimidating an umpire but concedes the Englishman “acted like a petulant child” and deserves some kind of sanction.

The Sixers have lodged an appeal with Cricket Australia, Former Australia international Ed Cowan believes the Sydney Sixers have every right to appeal Tom Curran’s four-game ban for intimidating an umpire but concedes the Englishman “acted like a petulant child” and deserves some kind of sanction.

The Sixers have lodged an appeal with Cricket Australia, which will be heard on Sunday.

Tom Curran intimidates an umpire over a pitch stand off before a Sixer's match.

Curran was found guilty of a level-three offence for “intimidation or attempted intimidation of an umpire” after he nearly collided with match official Muhammad Qureshi before a Big Bash League game this month while attempting a bowling run-through on the pitch.

The 28-year-old did not play against Adelaide on Friday night and is likely to miss their next fixture on Boxing Day against the Melbourne Stars at the SCG.

The Sixers have rallied behind Curran, with captain Moises Henriques defending his teammate on television and in a late-night social media post after the match.

Cowan, who wasn’t at the match involving Curran, said he understood both sides of the argument but believed it was not a good look.

Moises Henriques puts an arm around Sixers teammate Tom Curran.
Moises Henriques puts an arm around Sixers.

“I am going to tread very lightly here ... because you can appreciate I am on the board of Cricket NSW and there is a current legal process going on,” Cowan said on the ABC’s Grandstand Cricket Podcast. “Interestingly, just having a quick run through the Twitterverse … he is not getting much sympathy at all. [I am] yet to see anyone come and vocalise any kind of support.

“I saw the footage and my heart sank because it is ugly, there is no doubt about that, and there is no doubt that he should face some kind of reprimand. I am totally in that camp.

I’m still struggling to comprehend that sort of penalty for what he’s done.”

Following the Sixers’ one-run win, Henriques posted a comment on X, formerly known as Twitter, at 12.12am on Saturday morning.

“Umpire looks super intimidated and scared for his life in that photo there doesn’t he,” Henriques wrote.

Source : The Sydney Morning Herald

 

[BouncerGuy]

KFC Big Bash League Statement:

December 24, 2023: The KFC Big Bash League can confirm that the Sydney Sixers appeal against Tom Curran’s four-match sanction was today dismissed with the original sanction to stand.

Alistair Dobson, Cricket Australia’s General Manager, Big Bash Leagues said:

“Umpires are part of the lifeblood of cricket and it is essential they are respected and appreciated by players at all levels of the game.

“We acknowledge the remorse Tom’s shown following the appeal and look forward to seeing him back in Sixers colours.

“Tom has been a long-time contributor to the BBL and is a clear fan-favourite and someone we hope will continue to play an integral role in the competition moving forward.”​

 

[MenInG]

KFC Big Bash League Statement:

December 24, 2023: The KFC Big Bash League can confirm that the Sydney Sixers appeal against Tom Curran’s four-match sanction was today dismissed with the original sanction to stand.

Alistair Dobson, Cricket Australia’s General Manager, Big Bash Leagues said:

“Umpires are part of the lifeblood of cricket and it is essential they are respected and appreciated by players at all levels of the game.

“We acknowledge the remorse Tom’s shown following the appeal and look forward to seeing him back in Sixers colours.

“Tom has been a long-time contributor to the BBL and is a clear fan-favourite and someone we hope will continue to play an integral role in the competition moving forward.”​

Sydney Sixers statement regarding Tom Curran's appeal

The Sydney Sixers and Tom Curran accept the findings of his appeal and the 4-match sanction that was imposed.

Head of Sydney Sixers, Rachael Haynes, said:

“We accept the findings of the Code of Conduct Commissioner and the sanction imposed.

“While we support Tom as a valued member of the club, in no way do we condone any sort of disrespect towards match officials. This was a regrettable situation and one that Tom has shown remorse for.

“We sought to appeal the original decision based on previous Code of Conduct cases. Whilst not disagreeing that Tom had breached the code through his conduct, we felt that the charge was inconsistent with other offences. Following the ruling, we respect that not to be the case.

“Both the club and Tom would also like to apologise for being unable to speak about the incident until after today’s appeal was heard, as we progressed through the judicial process.

“We will continue to support Tom through the season and are looking forward to our next match on Boxing Day.”

Tom Curran said:

“I have had a lot of time to reflect on my actions and the incident that occurred in Launceston on December 11.

“Across my decade long professional career I have always sought to have a friendly and respectful relationship with match officials, which I believe is reflected in the lack of prior code of conduct breaches across the world.

“Until the moment of the incident, my interactions with Umpire Quereshi on December 11 commenced in a manner consistent with the rest of my professional career, we shared a laugh as he worked through his duties measuring bats in the changeroom.

“My preparation for every fixture is deeply methodical and my focus is intense during the warmup. Part of my preparation is to do a run through and gauge my run up on that particular surface. I’ve done this before every match and for me it’s part of my routine for every match.

“The interaction with Umpire Quesrshi took me by surprise at a time when I was very focused on my pre-match routine. I didn’t expect the stand-off that resulted.

“I deeply regret the way I reacted to it and the resultant impact for Umpire Quereshi, the Sydney Sixers and myself personally.

“My intention was always to veer off to Umpire Quershi’s right, in a similar way to my run up at the other end. I had never considered running into him and never considered that he would think that was my intention. However, on reflection, I should have repositioned my run up a metre or so to my left. I would not do the same if the situation arose again, and I am sorry.

“With the benefit of hindsight, I also could have approached Umpire Quereshi during the fixture to discuss the interaction, hear his perspective and offer mine. I regret not doing this.

“I am genuinely sorry that I chose to continue to practice my run up in the direction of Umpire Quereshi and if he ever thought I sought to make physical contact with him.

“I would like to apologise to everyone that this has affected and thank those who have supported me through this incredibly difficult time, particularly Hannah Barnes, Greg Mail, Rachael Haynes and all of the Sixers’ players and staff.

“I look forward to returning on January 3 in Coffs Harbour to do what I love and what I keep coming back to Australia to do and continue the season that we are having.”

Sydney Sixers statement regarding Tom Curran's appeal | Sydney Sixers

Enjoy the fun and excitement of the KFC T20 Big Bash League with international stars playing alongside Australia’s best home grown talent.

www.sydneysixers.com.au

 

[hassan918]

Yes, it was a fair ban. He was clearly told by the umpire where he can run and where he can't but he totally ignored the warning and you cannot do it in Cricket that is a gentleman's game.

 

[Raja Ishtiaq]

I think the ban should increase in these situations when the appeal fails!

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Now he has ample time to sit in the dugout and think about why he did that

 

[FearlessRoar]

Tom Curran has been ruled out for the remainder of the BBL 13 season due to a knee injury.

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A disastrous season for Tom Curran