England pacer Tom Curran's appeal regarding a four-match ban in the Big Bash League (BBL) for intimidating an umpire remained unsuccessful on Sunday, as Cricket Australia emphasized the importance of respecting officials.
Curran, who plays for the Sydney Sixers and has made 30 T20I appearances for England, received the ban after an incident preceding a match against the Hobart Hurricanes earlier this month.
The incident required the umpire to move to prevent a collision with Curran while stopping him from practicing his bowling run-up on the main pitch.
"Umpires are part of the lifeblood of cricket and it is essential they are respected and appreciated by players at all levels of the game," said CA general manager Alistair Dobson.
"We acknowledge the remorse Tom's shown following the appeal and look forward to seeing him back in Sixers colours."
Curran 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".
He contested the accusation, with Rachael Haynes, the head of the Sixers, stating that he "did not deliberately or knowingly intimidate a match official."
However, she announced on Sunday that the club had acknowledged and accepted the imposed penalty.
"We sought to appeal the original decision based on previous code of conduct cases," Haynes said.
"Whilst not disagreeing that Tom had breached the code through his conduct, we felt that the charge was inconsistent with other offences. Following the ruling, we respect that not to be the case."
(With AFP inputs)
