Sydney Sixer’s England pacer Tom Curran, on Sunday, expressed "deep regrets" after losing an appeal against a four-match Big Bash League (BBL 13) suspension for bullying an umpire, stating he has always respected match officials.
Curran was charged with a level-three violation under clause 2.17 of the code of conduct by Cricket Australia on Thursday, following an incident that happened during the Sydney Sixers' team warm-up before their match against the Hobart Hurricanes on December 11.
Curran appeared to refuse to comply with the umpire's order to stay off the wicket while warming up, according to video footage of the incident.
2019 World Cup winner Curran, who is playing his 4th season with Sydney Sixers, then went to the other end to complete another practice run-up and almost collided with the umpire, who had stood on the bowling crease to prevent Curran from again encroaching onto the pitch.
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A verbal altercation between Curran and the umpire immediately followed.
He was then banned for four matches and has said that he has “deep regrets” about the way he reacted.
"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 on Umpire Qureshi, the Sydney Sixers, and myself personally.
My intention was always to veer off to Umpire Qureshi's right, in a similar way to my run up at the other end. I had never considered running into him and never considered that he would think that was my intention. However, on reflection, I should have repositioned my run up a meter or so to my left. I would not do the same if the situation arose again, and I am sorry,” Tom Curran was quoted by Cricket Australia.
"I am genuinely sorry that I chose to continue to practicrun-upun up in the direction of Umpire Qureshi and if he ever thought I sought to make physical contact with him,” he added.
The English fast bowler will not play again until January 3 at the earliest, missing the Sixers’ upcoming blockbusters against the Melbourne Stars on Boxing Day and the Brisbane Heat on New Year’s Day.
"Umpires are part of the lifeblood of cricketthey must bey are respected and appreciated by players at all levels of the game. We acknowledge the remorse Tom’s shown following the appeal and look forward to seeing him back in Sicolorslours.
Tom has been a long-time contributor to the BBL and is a cfan-favoriteurite and someone we hope will continue to play an integral role in the competition moving forward,” Alistair Dobson, General Manager of Big Bash Leagues, said in a statement.
(Cricket Australia inputs)
