Tom Curran handed a four match ban in the Aus T20 League 2023-2024

England all rounder Tom Curran will serve a 4 match ban from the Australian T20 League 2023-2024 after being found guilty of intimidating an umpire in a pre-match argument, but Sydney Sixers (SIX) will appeal the sanction. 

The 28 year old was charged with a Level 3 offence under Cricket Australia’s Code of Conduct for an incident that took place before SIX’s match against Hobart Hurricanes (HUR) on December 11 in Launceston. 

As per CA, Curran concluded a practice run and ran on a part of pitch during the warm-up before being asked by the umpire not to do it again.

CA said Curran went to the other end of the pitch to finish another practice run-up forcing the umpire to stand next to the stumps in an attempt to block him 

[The umpire] gestured to Curran to move away from the pitch," CA's statement said. "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 disputed the charge, but was subsequently handed four suspension points which is equivalent to a four game ban. He is set to miss SIX’s next four games against Adelaide Strikers (STR), Melbourne Stars (STA), Sydney Thunder (THU) and Brisbane Heat (HEA) 

The four-match ban is pretty harsh given a reduced AUS T20 League this season, where each side plays 10 matches. The head of SIX Rachael Haynes said the club would “vigorously appeal the sanction, while providing support" for Curran, who with 3/19 was the chief architect of SIX’s six wicket win over HUR on December 11. 

"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," she said. "We will support Tom during this period and look forward to him returning to the field."