Former West Indies batter Marlon Samuels has been handed a six-year ban from all cricket activities by the International Cricket Council (ICC).
The ban comes after Samuels was found guilty of corrupt behavior during the Abu Dhabi T10 tournament in 2019, where he represented the Karnataka Tuskers but did not take the field.
An independent tribunal, operating under the anti-corruption code of the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB), which oversees the Abu Dhabi T10, determined that Samuels had breached multiple regulations.
The charges against him included accepting favors that brought both himself and the game into disrepute and concealing information from the investigating authorities. Notably, Samuels had faced a similar punishment 15 years ago for a comparable offense.
Alex Marshall, the head of the ICC’s HR and Integrity Unit, expressed disappointment in Samuels’ actions, stating, “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.”
Marshall emphasized that even though Samuels is now retired, he was a participant when the offenses were committed, making the six-year ban a stern deterrent for anyone considering breaking the rules.
The Abu Dhabi T10, governed by the ECB’s anti-corruption code, saw the ICC conduct the investigation into Samuels’ actions.
The tribunal found him guilty on four counts, including failing to disclose the receipt of gifts, payments, hospitality, or other benefits that could bring the participant or the sport into disrepute.
Furthermore, he was found guilty of 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.
Samuels’ ban, effective November 11, 2023, marks a significant fall from grace for the cricketer with a distinguished international career, contributing over 11,000 runs across formats.
The ban follows the ICC’s initial charge against Samuels in September 2021, culminating in the unanimous decision of guilt in August this year.
Known for his impactful performances in the T20 format, particularly for his top-scoring feats in the 2012 and 2016 T20 World Cup finals, Samuels last played international cricket in 2018.
He officially announced his retirement in November 2020, leaving a legacy tarnished by controversies.
One of the lowest points in his career was a two-year ban in May 2008 after being found guilty of “receiving money, or benefit or other reward that could bring him or the game of cricket into disrepute.”
As the cricketing world processes this latest development, the ban on Marlon Samuels serves as a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining integrity in the sport.
The ICC’s commitment to upholding the Anti-Corruption Codes underscores the gravity of such offences. It sends a clear message that players, regardless of their stature, will be held accountable for any actions that compromise the integrity of the game.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
