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England all-rounder Tom Curran, the recent addition to Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the IPL 2024 auction, recently found himself in hot water following a four-match ban during his stint with the Sydney Sixers in the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL|13). The ban was imposed due to a pre-match altercation involving an umpire during a warm-up session in Launceston.
Viral video sparks outrage
The controversy unfolded on December 11 and soon a video of Curran intimidating umpire Muhammad Qureshi went viral on the internet. The footage captured Curran attempting a practice run-up on the pitch during the warm-up ahead of Sydney Sixers’ clash against Hobart Hurricanes. The English all-rounder was charged with “intimidation or attempted intimidation of an umpire, match referee, or medical personnel whether by language or conduct (including gestures) during a match.”
The vision everyone's been waiting for.
This is the series of events that's led to Tom Curran's four-game suspension… pic.twitter.com/CRcBujbIl0
— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) December 21, 2023
Tom Curran reacts after losing his appeal
Curran appealed against his four-match ban but lost the appeal on Sunday. Following the decision, he issued a public apology for his actions. Expressing “deep regrets,” Curran stated that he has always sought to maintain a friendly and respectful relationship with match officials throughout his decade-long professional career.
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“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,” said Curran in a statement released by Sydney Sixers.
Curran addresses unexpected nature of the interaction with Umpire
Curran specifically addressed the unexpected nature of the interaction with Umpire Qureshi, stating that it took him by surprise while he was intensely focused on his pre-match routine. He expressed regret for choosing to continue practicing his run-up in the direction of Umpire Qureshi and clarified that, if the umpire ever thought he sought to make physical contact, he apologizes for that perception.
“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. I am genuinely sorry that I chose to continue to practise my run up in the direction of umpire Qureshi, and if he ever thought I sought to make physical contact with him. I would like to apologise to everyone that this has affected,” added Curran.
