England star Tom Curran has been banned for four Big Bash League (BBL) 2023/24 games after intimidating an umpire, but his club Sydney Sixers said Friday it was not intentional and vowed to appeal. 

The 28-year-old England international was charged with a “Level 3” offence under the Cricket Australia (CA) Code of Conduct for his altercation with the official during a practice session ahead of the Sixers’ clash with the Hobart Hurricanes on December 11 in Launceston.

Tom Curran was found guilty of the offence at a hearing and Sydney Sixers head Rachael Haynes said the team and the player would “vigorously appeal” the sanction.

CA said Tom Curran completed a practice run-up in which he ran onto part of the pitch and was instructed by the umpire not to.

He moved to the opposite end to complete another practice run-up but the umpire took a position next to the stumps, blocking the player from approaching the pitch.

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However, the right-arm pacer vowed to appeal, claiming his actions were unintentional.

“Curran contested the charge, and the matter was heard by Code of Conduct Commissioner, Adrian Anderson,” Cricket Australia said in a statement.

“The Commissioner found that Curran committed the offence and imposed a penalty of four suspension points, equating to four BBL matches.”

Head of the Sixers Rachael Haynes said the club would “vigorously” appeal the sanction.

“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.”

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