Former West Indies T20 World Cup-winning batter Marlon Samuels has been banned for six years from all forms of cricket after being found guilty of breaching the anti-corruption code of the Emirates Cricket Board.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) indicted Samuels in September 2021, but an independent tribunal found him guilty of four counts of corruption in August this year. He has been banned from all forms of cricket from 11 November 2023.
The charges relate to the 2019 Abu Dhabi T10 League, in which Samuels was part of the Karnataka Tuskers squad but did not play in any matches. The ICC investigation found that Mr Samuels had breached Article 4 of his anti-corruption regulations. Three of his articles required a unanimous vote, and one required a majority vote.
Article 2.4.2 – Anti-corruption relating to the receipt of gifts, payments, entertainment or other benefits made or granted in circumstances that may bring the participant or the sport of cricket into disrepute Do not disclose to the person in charge.
Article 2.4.3 – Failure to disclose entertainment and entertainment valued at $750 or more to appropriate anti-corruption officials.
Article 2.4.6 – Failure to cooperate with investigations by designated anti-corruption personnel.
Article 2.4.7 – Obstructing or delaying the investigation of the designated anti-corruption officer by concealing information that may be relevant to the investigation.
Samuels’ cricket career has been riddled with controversies. In 2008, he was banned for two years from international cricket for a similar corruption-related offence.
Alex Marshall, ICC’s General Manager of HR and Integrity, said of Samuels’ suspension: “Samuels played international cricket for nearly 20 years, during which time he attended numerous anti-corruption meetings and was well aware of his obligations from national powers,” the Anti-Corruption Code said.
“Although now retired, Mr. Samuels was involved in criminal activity. A six-year ban will be a strong deterrent to participants who wish to break the rules.”
Samuels last played international cricket in 2018.
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