Marlon Samuels, Former West Indies Player, Receives 6-year Ban

On November 23, Marlon Samuels, the former West Indies batter, was handed a six-year ban from all forms of cricket by the International Cricket Council (ICC). The ban was imposed due to his failure to disclose benefits received during the Abu Dhabi T10 league, actions that could have brought the sport into disrepute, concealing information, and non-cooperation with the investigation officer.

Background and Charges

• Samuels, who had an illustrious international cricket career playing 71 Tests, 207 ODIs, and 67 T20Is, faced charges related to his participation in the Abu Dhabi T10 league in 2019.
• The Emirates Cricket Board’s anti-corruption code was violated on four counts, leading to charges by the ICC in September 2021.

What are the charges?

• Failure to Disclose Benefits: Samuels was found guilty of “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.”
• Non-Disclosure of Hospitality: He was also charged with “failing to disclose receipt of hospitality with a value of USD 750 or more.”
• Non-Cooperation: Samuels faced charges of “failing to cooperate with the Designated Anti-Corruption Official’s investigation.”
• Obstruction of Investigation: Additionally, he was accused of “obstructing or delaying the Designated Anti-Corruption Official’s investigation by concealing information that may have been relevant to the investigation.”

Guilty Verdict and Commencement of Ban

• The Tribunal found Samuels guilty in August, and his six-year ban officially commenced on November 11.
• The severity of the ban reflects the seriousness of the violations and aims to serve as a deterrent for other participants.

ICC Statement and Deterrent Effect

• The ICC, in its statement on Thursday, emphasized that Samuels, despite being retired, was a participant when the offenses were committed.
• Alex Marshall, the ICC General Manager of HR and Integrity Unit, highlighted the importance of the ban as a strong deterrent.
• The ban of six years will act as a strong deterrent to any participant who intends to break the rules,” stated Marshall.

Samuels’ Cricket Legacy and Previous Ban

• Marlon Samuels, known for top-scoring in the T20 World Cup finals in 2012 and 2016, contributed significantly to West Indies cricket.
• With over 11,000 runs in international cricket, his ban marks a tarnish on an otherwise illustrious career. Notably, Samuels had faced a two-year ban in May 2008 after being found guilty of “receiving money, or benefit or other reward that could bring him or the game of cricket into disrepute.”

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