Marlon Samuels banned from all cricket for six years for breaching anti-corruption code
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has imposed a six-year ban on former West Indies batsman Marlon Samuels due to corrupt behavior during the Abu Dhabi T10 tournament in 2019. Despite being a part of the Karnataka Tuskers team, Samuels did not play in the event. An independent tribunal found him guilty on four counts, including accepting favors that brought both himself and the game into disrepute and withholding information from the investigating authorities. Notably, Samuels had faced a similar punishment 15 years ago.
Alex Marshall, the head of ICC’s HR and Integrity Unit, highlighted Samuels’ long international cricket career and his familiarity with anti-corruption guidelines. Marshall stated that despite Samuels’ retirement, the ban would serve as a strong deterrent for anyone contemplating rule violations.
“Marlon Samuels played international cricket for close to two decades, during which he participated in numerous anti-corruption sessions and knew exactly what his obligations were under the Anti-Corruption Codes,” Alex Marshall, the head of ICC’s HR and Integrity Unit, said. “Though he is retired now, Mr Samuels was a participant when the offences were committed. The ban of six years will act as a strong deterrent to any participant who intends to break the rules.”
The Abu Dhabi T10 is governed by the Emirates Cricket Board’s anti-corruption code, and the ICC conducted the investigation into the breaches. Samuels was found guilty on four charges, including failing to disclose gifts or benefits that could harm the sport’s reputation, failing to disclose hospitality valued at US $750 or more, failing to cooperate with the Anti-Corruption Official’s investigation, and obstructing or delaying the investigation by concealing relevant information.
The ban, effective from November 11, 2023, follows Samuels’ initial ICC charges in September 2021, culminating in a guilty verdict in August of the following year. The veteran cricketer, who last played international cricket in 2018 and announced his retirement in November 2020, had a controversial career, including a two-year ban in 2008 for receiving money that could bring himself and the game into disrepute.
Thank you for reading.
