The Sydney Sixers’ attempt to defend the behaviour of star international recruit Tom Curran will hinge on a legal interpretation of whether the Englishman deliberately tried to ‘intimidate’ an umpire and further evidence from a groundsman in earshot of an exchange between the pair.
It comes as Cricket Australia boss Nick Hockley and former international umpire Simon Taufel declared that greater respect must be shown to officials.
Curran has been banned for four Big Bash matches for intimidating an umpire before a game between the Sixers and Hobart Hurricanes on December 11.
Cricket Australia confirmed on Thursday evening the England international had been found guilty of a level three offence and issued with four suspension points for “attempted intimidation of an umpire, match referee or medical personnel whether by language or conduct (including gestures) during a match.”
Curran was told before play by umpire Muhammad Qureshi not to complete another bowling run-through on the pitch. At the top of his mark, down the other end of the field, Curran gestured at Qureshi to move to the side, but the match official stood his ground to block the Sixers star.
Curran looked directly at Qureshi before charging towards him. The umpire then had to jump out of the way to avoid contact with the fast bowler.
Sydney Sixers bowler Tom Curran runs at an umpire before a BBL match.Credit: Channel 7
The Sixers informed CA on Thursday evening of their intent to appeal after a formal hearing on Wednesday.
CA has five days to appoint a new commissioner for another hearing, but the Sixers are keen for the process to be expedited given they have upcoming matches, one of which is on Boxing Day against the Melbourne Stars at the SCG.
The Sixers are not disputing that Curran ran towards the umpire and privately accept it was an avoidable situation, but will argue he was not deliberately trying to intimidate Qureshi.
The case will come down to the interpretation of the word ‘intimidate’. The Sixers are likely to argue that this was more a case of ignorance and disrespect, rather than a form of intimidation.
Sixers star Tom Curran taking on the Renegades earlier in December.Credit: Getty
The Sixers’ legal representatives were surprised that Curran, who completes a similar warm-up before most games, was found guilty.
There has also been disagreement over what Curran said to Qureshi after the bowler ran through and turned back.
Qureshi gave evidence at Wednesday’s hearing. Sources with knowledge of the situation have told this masthead that Qureshi was furious about what happened and alleged that Curran called him a “f—head”.
The Sixers and Curran vehemently deny this, so much so that they called in a local groundsman, who was standing close by during the incident, to give his version of events.
It is understood the groundsman, who is based in Launceston, claims that he heard Curran call the umpire an “idiot”.
An independent witness was called to the hearing because audio from the stump microphone was not clear for the entire incident.
Curran is said to be extremely upset over the episode and has faced a barrage of public criticism since the story.
Should the Sixers and Curran lose their appeal, the Englishman could face a longer stint on the sidelines.
“Right or wrong, you cannot intimidate an umpire like that,” said former Australian international Brad Hodge. “That is as bad as it gets in terms of physicality towards an umpire.”
Hockley was asked about the incident on Friday in Melbourne.
“Players really need to respect the umpires and the match referees,” Hockley told reporters. “Respect is fundamental to the spirit of cricket, and it’s fundamental to the laws of the game. Players are role models in society, and it’s really important they show respect.”
Meanwhile, Taufel believes a better example should have been set and raised concerns over general player behaviour.
“Player behaviour should be more a responsibility of the clubs and the teams than anyone else,” Taufel told this masthead.
“It’s about doing the right thing for the game and sending the right messages to the current players and future generation of players. How do we want our kids to grow up and play the game of cricket?
“From what I have seen, a lot of the reaction has been, what are they doing to appeal the outcome? That doesn’t necessarily seem right or comfortable. What are they doing to discourage further examples of poor behaviour or breaches of behavioural standards?
“What I will say is that player behaviour, having been a chairperson of a district cricket association, having been an umpire, having been a player and a match referee … I think player behaviour is an issue for clubs.”
