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Former West Indies batter Marlon Samuels was found
guilty of corrupt behaviour during the 2019 Abu Dhabi T10, when he was a member
of the Karnataka Tuskers but did not play, and as a result, the ICC banned him
from all cricket for six years.
Samuels was found guilty on four charges by an
independent tribunal, including hiding facts from the investigating authorities
and receiving favours that damaged his reputation and that of the game. A
similar conduct had resulted in his punishment fifteen years prior.
“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,” Alex Marshall, the head of ICC’s HR and Integrity Unit, said.
“Though he is retired now, Mr 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.”
The Abu Dhabi T10 is an Emirates Cricket Board run
tournament as such it is their anti-corruption code that is in operation. By
their rules, the ICC conducts all investigations into breaches made and they
found Samuels had made four of them.
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 was made or given in circumstances
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 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 that may have been relevant to the investigation.
Samuels’ ban has taken effect from November 11, 2023.
He was initially charged by the ICC in September 2021 before he was found
guilty of the offences in August this year.