Dubai, Nov 23: Former West Indies batter Marlon Samuels was on Thursday handed a six-year ban from all forms of cricket for breaching Emirates Cricket Board’s anti-corruption code.
Samuels, who played 71 Tests, 207 ODIs and 67 T20Is, was charged by the International Cricket Council (in its capacity as the Designated Anti-Corruption Official of the Emirates board) on four counts in September 2021.
The 42-year-old was found guilty by the Tribunal in August and his ban began on November 11. The charges relate to the Abu Dhabi T10 league in 2019.
The ICC said on Thursday that the former all-rounder was guilty of “failing to disclose to the Designated Anti-Corruption Official, the receipt of any gift, payment, hospitality or other benefit that was made or given in circumstances that could bring the Participant or the sport of cricket into disrepute.” He was also guilty of “failing to disclose to the Designated Anti-Corruption Official receipt of hospitality with a value of US $750 or more. Failing to cooperate with the Designated Anti-Corruption Official’s investigation.”
“Obstructing or delaying the Designated Anti-Corruption Official’s investigation by concealing information that may have been relevant to the investigation,” the ICC said in a statement.Alex Marshall, the ICC General Manager, HR and Integrity Unit, said the ban on Samuels will act as a strong deterrent.
“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.“Though he is retired now, Mr Samuels was a participant when the offences were committed,” said Marshall. (PTI)
