IPL 2024: Why RCB Latest Overseas Signing Tom Curran Received 4-Match Ban In BBL?

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England all-rounder Tom Curran, who was bought by Royal Challengers Bangalore in the bygone Indian Premier League (IPL) Player Auction 2024, has received a four-game ban in Australia's Big Bash League (BBL).

Curran, who represents Sydney Sixers in the ongoing BBL season 13, was charged with a Level 3 offence under Cricket Australia's Code of Conduct for an incident before Sixers' match against Hobart Hurricanes on December 11 in Launceston.

Curran and his club, the Sydney Sixers, denied the offence and plan to appeal against the suspension. The incident occurred when Curran was warming up ahead of the game against Hurricanes.

CA's code of conduct commissioner Adrian Anderson found that the 28-year-old, who last played for England in 2021, became involved in a disagreement with an umpire while going through his run-up.

The match official instructed Curran not to run on the pitch and stood next to the stumps to block his approach after he attempted to continue.

Anderson found that Curran "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".

That was deemed a level three offence under clause 2.17 of the CA code - which covers "intimidation or attempted intimidation of an umpire or match referee" - leading to four penalty points and a four-game ban.

Rachael Haynes, the former Australia Women's captain and head of the Sixers, said the franchise would contest the ruling against the all-rounder 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," she said in a statement. "We will support Tom during this period and look forward to him returning to the field."

Curran is set to miss Sixers' upcoming matches against Adelaide Strikers on December 22, Melbourne Stars on December 26, Sydney Thunder on December 30, and Brisbane Heat on January 1. The four-match ban is significant as this season is a trimmed down version, where teams play 10 matches each.