Marlon Samuels banned from all forms of cricket for 6 years after breaching anti-corruption code

Former West Indies cricketer Marlon Samuels was issued a six-year ban from any cricket-related games. Notably, the star cricketer was found guilty for breaching the Emirates Cricket Board’s (ECB) anti-corruption law by an independent anti-corruption tribunal. However, this huge step came from the Apex Cricket Council for the offences he committed in 2019.

The charges against Samuels read:

1. Failing to disclose to the Designated Anti-Corruption Official, the receipt of any gift, payment, hospitality, or other benefit was made or given in circumstances that could bring the Participant or the sport of cricket into disrepute.

2. Failing to disclose to the Designated Anti-Corruption Official receipt of hospitality with a value of US $750 or more.

3. Failing to cooperate with the Designated Anti-Corruption Official’s investigation.

4. Obstructing or delaying the Designated Anti-Corruption Official’s investigation by concealing information that may have been relevant to the investigation.

However, Apex Cricket Council Head has superimposed the ban on him for the offences he committed when he was a participant on the board. The opening batter had a plethora of offences against his name when he was a player. Meanwhile, Marlon Samuels won’t be part of any franchise from now on until the next six years, due to the violations done by him.

Marlon Samuels was a participant when the offences were committed: Alex Marshall

“Marlon 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,” said Alex Marshall, head of ICC’s HR and Integrity Unit.

“Though he has retired now, Marlon 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,” he added further.

Talking about his records, the top-order batter has played 71 Test matches, 204 ODIs, and 67 T20I games in his international career from 2008 to 2018. However, the stylish right-handed batter has played the match-winning knock in the 2012 and 2016 T20 World Cups and helped the Windies win the tournament with his great performances.