Despite England and Sydney Sixers all-rounder Tom Curran expressing "deep regret" for his actions ahead of a Big Bash League match against Hobart Hurricanes on December 11 in Launceston, the BBL has dismissed his appeal to overturn a four-match ban against him. (Cricket News)
Curran was sanctioned by Cricket Australia after being charged and found guilty of a Level 3 offence involving "intimidation or attempted intimidation of an umpire, match referee or medical personnel whether by language or conduct (including gestures) during a match". The official in this case was umpire Muhammad Qureshi, with whom Curran had an altercation while warming up for the game.
Sydney Sixers had appealed the decision to suspend Tom Curran, who is the brother of star England all-rounder Sam, with captain Moises Henriques saying that he was "struggling to comprehend" the ban.
But the Australian T20 league confirmed on Sunday that Curran's appeal had been dismissed and the ban would stay, which means the all-rounder will be unavailable for his franchise's next three games against Melbourne Stars, Sydney Thunder and Brisbane Heat, having already missed the victory over Adelaide Strikers on Friday. If selected, Curran can next play the January 3 clash with Heat in Coffs Harbour.
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In a detailed statement released by Sixers, Curran explained the sequence of events from his perspective and expressed regret for his actions. "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 28-year-old said.
"The interaction with Umpire Qureshi 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 Qureshi, the Sydney Sixers and myself personally," he added.
"My intention was always to veer off to Umpire Qureshi'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," Curran further said.
BBL general manager Alistair Dobson said that Curran's remorse had been acknowledged in the appeal process but respect towards umpires was imperative. "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," Dobson said. "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."
