Marlon Samuels, a prominent figure in the world of cricket and a two-time T20 World Cup winner, has been found guilty of multiple breaches under the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) Anti-Corruption Code. The former West Indies batter was charged by the International Cricket Council (ICC) in September 2021. After a comprehensive investigation and subsequent hearing, the tribunal has ruled that Samuels committed all four offences.
Violations during Abu Dhabi T10
Samuels’ infractions relate to his conduct during the 2019 edition of the Abu Dhabi T10, a cricket tournament overseen by the ECB. The tribunal has determined that he violated the following articles of the ECB’s anti-corruption code:
Article 2.4.2 – Concealing Detrimental Receipts
Failure to disclose the receipt of gifts, payments, hospitality, or other benefits that could potentially cast a negative light on both the participant and the sport of cricket.
Also READ: England include two uncapped players in their T20I squad for the home series against New Zealand
Article 2.4.3 – Underreporting High-Value Hospitality
Neglecting to reveal the acceptance of hospitality valued at US $750 or more to the designated Anti-Corruption Official.
Article 2.4.6 – Deficient Cooperation
Samuels was found to have failed in his cooperation with the designated Anti-Corruption Official’s investigation.
Article 2.4.7 – Impeding Investigation
The tribunal has ruled that Samuels obstructed and delayed the progress of the Anti-Corruption Official’s investigation by withholding crucial information.
Sanctions await
With the verdict delivered, Samuels now faces appropriate sanctions, the nature of which will be determined by the tribunal. These sanctions will be decided after careful consideration of submissions from both parties involved.
A storied career marred by controversies
Samuels announced his retirement from cricket in November 2020, capping off an illustrious career that encompassed 71 Test matches, 207 One Day Internationals (ODIs), and 67 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). Throughout his international cricket journey, Samuels amassed over 11,000 runs and an impressive tally of 17 centuries. Despite his notable achievements, his career was punctuated by moments of controversies.
Also WATCH: Nuwanidu Fernando spectacular running catch sends Liton Das packing in LPL 2023
Notably, Samuels faced a two-year ban in May 2008 after being found guilty of ‘receiving money, benefit, or other reward that could bring him or the game of cricket into disrepute.’ This previous transgression stands as a stark reminder of the challenges cricket has faced in maintaining its integrity.
While Samuels’ career had its share of ups and downs, his contributions to cricket, particularly his standout performances in the T20 World Cup finals of 2012 and 2016, will be remembered by fans worldwide.