Former West Indies all-rounder Marlon Samuels was banned by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Thursday, for breaching the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) Anti-Corruption Code.
Samuels, who was charged by the ICC (in its capacity as the Designated Anti-Corruption Official under the ECB Code) in September 2021, was found guilty by the Tribunal in August this year for four offences.
Article 2.4.2 – 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.
Article 2.4.3 – Failing to disclose to the Designated Anti-Corruption Official receipt of hospitality with a value of US $750 or more.
Article 2.4.6 – Failing to cooperate with the Designated Anti-Corruption Official’s investigation.
Article 2.4.7 – Obstructing or delaying the Designated Anti-Corruption Official’s investigation by concealing information that may have been relevant to the investigation.
According to the ICC, the six-year ban on Marlon Samuels takes effect from 11 November 2023.
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Commenting on the West Indian all-rounder’s ban, ICC General Manager – HR and Integrity Unit, Alex Marshall stated that Samuels played international cricket for about two decades and attended various anti-corruption so he knew what his obligations were.
“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. The ban of six years will act as a strong deterrent to any participant who intends to break the rules.”
Marlon Samuels played a pivotal role in West Indies’ two T20 World Cup triumphs in 2012 and 2016. The highlight of which was his unbeaten 85 in the final of the 2016 edition against England.
He accumulated 8,134 international runs across formats with the help of 17 centuries and 64 half-centuries before calling time on his professional career in 2020.