Former West Indies cricketer Marlon Samuels has been handed a six-year ban from all cricket activities following a verdict by an independent Anti-Corruption Tribunal. The tribunal found Samuels guilty of violating the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) Anti-Corruption Code. The charges, filed by the ICC (International Cricket Council) in September 2021, resulted in Marlon Samuels being found guilty in August of the same year on four counts.
- Article 2.4.2 (Majority Decision): Failing to disclose to the Anti-Corruption Official the receipt of gifts, payments, hospitality, or other benefits that could bring the player or the sport of cricket into disrepute.
- Article 2.4.3 (Unanimous Decision): Failing to disclose to the Anti-Corruption Official the receipt of hospitality with a value exceeding US $750.
- Article 2.4.6 (Unanimous Decision): Failing to cooperate with the Anti-Corruption Official’s investigation.
- Article 2.4.7 (Unanimous Decision): Obstructing or delaying the Anti-Corruption Official’s investigation by concealing relevant information.
The ban, effective from November 11, 2023, marks a significant consequence for Marlon Samuels, who had a career spanning nearly two decades in international cricket. The penalties were based on his actions while still an active participant in the sport.
What ICC officials said about Marlon Samuels?
Alex Marshall, ICC General Manager for HR and Integrity Unit, emphasized that despite Marlon Samuels being retired now, he was a participant when the offenses occurred. The six-year ban is intended as a robust deterrent against any future participant considering breaking anti-corruption rules. Marshall highlighted that Samuels had been part of multiple anti-corruption sessions during his career, and the severity of the ban underscores the gravity of the breaches.
The case serves as a reminder of the ICC’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of the sport and underscores the consequences for those who fail to adhere to anti-corruption protocols. Samuels’ ban sends a strong message about the need for players to fulfill their obligations under anti-corruption codes, even after retirement, and reinforces the ICC’s stance against corruption in cricket.
