Unconfirmed Video Shows Why Tom Curran Was Blocked from Four BBL Matches

Following a pre-match altercation, England all-rounder Tom Curran was found guilty of bullying an umpire and given a four-game Big Bash League (BBL) suspension. Following a BBL match in Launceston earlier this month, Curran—who was recently acquired by Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) for Rs 1.5 crore—was charged with a Level 3 infraction and given four Suspension Points under clause 2.17 of the CA Code of Conduct. The team and the player have announced their plans to file an appeal in opposition to the four-match suspension, nevertheless.

A disagreement between Curran and the fourth umpire, who had requested that he refrain from running onto the field in his spikes before the game, was captured on camera and went viral.

The player refused to comply with the fourth umpire’s attempts to stop Curran from doing so. The fourth umpire is responsible for monitoring the pitch during play stops. Curran was thus accused of violating Cricket Australia’s code of conduct at the Level 3 level.

The umpire reportedly told Curran not to rush onto the pitch after he finished his first practice run-up, which included running onto a portion of the UTAS Stadium surface, according to CA. According to CA, Curran then moved to the other end of the wicket and made an effort at another practice run-up.

According to cricket.com.au, the statement said, “The umpire took position next to the stumps, blocking Curran from approaching the pitch and gestured to Curran to move away from the pitch.”

“In the video, Curran could be seen motioning for the umpire to leave the field. Curran then tried to run directly towards the umpire, who was standing in the bowling crease facing him, as part of a practice run-up. To reduce the chance of a collision, the umpire moved to his right,” he said.

Match referee Bob Parry subsequently filed a complaint against Curran for violating Article 2.17 of the code of conduct, namely “intimidation or attempted intimidation of an umpire, match referee, or medical personnel whether by language or conduct (including gestures) during a match”.