Marlon Samuels banned for 6 years by ICC under the anti-corruption code

Former West Indies cricketer Marlon Samuels has been banned from all cricket activities for six years by the International Cricket Council (ICC). The decision follows the findings of an independent Anti-Corruption Tribunal, which declared him guilty of violating the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) Anti-Corruption Code during the Abu Dhabi T10 in 2019

The ICC, acting as the Designated Anti-Corruption Official under the ECB Code, charged Samuels in September 2021. The tribunal reached a verdict of guilt in August this year. His ban officially takes effect on November 11, 2023.

Having played international cricket for nearly two decades, Samuels, now retired, underwent numerous anti-corruption sessions. Alex Marshall, ICC General Manager – HR and Integrity Unit, emphasized that despite his retirement, Samuels was a participant in the offences committed. Marshall believes that the six-year ban serves as a robust deterrent for any participant contemplating rule violations.

The charges against Samuels were extensive:

Article 2.4.2 (majority decision): He failed to disclose to the Designated Anti-Corruption Official the receipt of any gift, payment, hospitality, or other benefit that could bring him or the sport of cricket into disrepute.

Article 2.4.3 (unanimous decision): He failed to disclose to the Designated Anti-Corruption Official the receipt of hospitality with a value exceeding US $750.

Article 2.4.6 (unanimous decision): He failed to cooperate with the Designated Anti-Corruption Official’s investigation.

Article 2.4.7 (unanimous decision): He obstructed or delayed the Designated Anti-Corruption Official’s investigation by concealing information relevant to the probe.

This comprehensive set of charges reflects the serious nature of the breaches, and the ban aims to maintain the integrity of cricket and discourage future misconduct among participants.