In a significant development, cricketer Marlon Samuels has been handed a six-year ban by the International Cricket Council (ICC) after being found guilty of breaching the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) Anti-Corruption Code. The ICC, acting as the Designated Anti-Corruption Official under the ECB Code, charged Samuels with a total of four offenses in September 2021, leading to his conviction in August of the following year.
The ban, officially confirmed by the ICC on Thursday, is set to commence from November 11, 2023. Samuels faced scrutiny for multiple violations, with the charges specified as follows:
- Article 2.4.2 (by a majority decision): Failing to disclose to the Designated Anti-Corruption Official the receipt of any gift, payment, hospitality, or other benefit that could bring the participant or the sport of cricket into disrepute.
- Article 2.4.3 (unanimous decision): Failing to disclose to the Designated Anti-Corruption Official the receipt of hospitality with a value of US $750 or more.
- Article 2.4.6 (unanimous decision): Failing to cooperate with the Designated Anti-Corruption Official’s investigation.
- Article 2.4.7 (unanimous decision): Obstructing or delaying the Designated Anti-Corruption Official’s investigation by concealing information relevant to the inquiry.
This severe penalty underscores the ICC’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of the sport, sending a clear message that breaches of the Anti-Corruption Code will be met with stringent consequences. The ban leaves Samuels sidelined from cricket for a substantial period.
