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England’s bowling all-rounder Tom Curran is eager for a fresh start in the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL) season. As the third-highest wicket-taker among overseas bowlers in BBL history, Curran has had a notable stint with the Sydney Sixers.
Last year, however, he faced controversy when he was banned for four matches after an incident where he was accused of running dangerously towards umpire Muhammad Qureshi during warm-ups. Despite a solid performance with 3-19 in a match, Curran’s season was cut short by a knee injury after only appearing in two more games. Sydney Sixers’ appeal against the ban was ultimately unsuccessful.
Tom Curran looks for a new beginning with the Melbourne Stars.
Tom Curran will join the Melbourne Stars for the 2024-25 BBL season, having signed a two-year contract that ensures his availability throughout the tournament.
The Sydney Sixers, meanwhile, are actively seeking overseas players ahead of the September 1 draft, especially following the retirement of left-arm spinner Steve O’Keefe. The team is keen to find a high-quality spinner to fill the gap left by O’Keefe’s departure.
In an interview with ESPNCricinfo, Curran reflected on last year’s incident, acknowledging that his season did not conclude as he had hoped. Nonetheless, he expressed gratitude towards the Sixers management for their support during the situation.
“Obviously, the way that whole situation panned out last year wasn’t how anyone wanted it to happen. I don’t feel like it was an issue with the Sixers. We fought the case together and they backed me which I really appreciated. Whenever I represented the Sixers I felt like I did them proud, not just on the field, felt like I gave it my all, immersed myself in the culture and made some amazing friends,” Curran said.
“It just felt [like] the right decision” – Tom Curran on the change of BBL team
Curran also noted that he comprehends the Sydney Sixers’ situation and believes that it is a sensible decision for them to make changes to the team at this time.
“I got a decent idea that they were looking at other [overseas] options and they couldn’t commit at the same sort of [level] that the Stars were showing. It just felt [like] the right decision, a good time for a change. And with the multi-year contracts, I feel like a person who wants to be loyal to teams, you don’t want to be chopping and changing.”
“Absolutely it didn’t end the way I wanted it to…but the decisions that were made and the way it panned out was not anything to do with the people I actually dealt with and where my loyalties were,” Curran added.
Tom Curran’s record in BBL
Tom Curran had a successful four-season stint with the Sydney Sixers, where he accumulated 51 wickets in 36 BBL matches, boasting an average of 19.76 and an economy rate of 8.25.
Currently, the 29-year-old is competing in The Hundred with the Oval Invincibles. Although he has represented England in white-ball cricket, he has not been a part of the national team for some time.
