Cricket Star Marlon Samuels Receives Six-Year Ban by ICC, Integrity Code Violations
- Posted on November 23, 2023
- Sports
- By Arijit Dutta
- 292 Views
The International Cricket Council (ICC) confirms a six-year ban on Marlon Samuels, a former West Indies cricketer, and two-time World Cup winner. Found guilty of breaching the Anti-Corruption Code, Samuels faces repercussions starting November 11, 2023, restricting cricket-related activities until 2029. ICC detailed four charges, emphasizing the ban's role as a deterrent.
The
International Cricket Council (ICC) has formally ratified a stringent six-year
ban on Marlon Samuels, a renowned former West Indies cricketer who claimed two
World Cup victories. This decision, rooted in his violation of the Emirates
Cricket Board's Anti-Corruption Code, was officially confirmed after a series
of allegations and investigations.
Samuels
faced charges from the ICC in September 2021, culminating in a guilty verdict
in August 2023 on four counts related to breaching the Anti-Corruption Code.
The six-year ban, set to commence on November 11, 2023, effectively sidelines
him from all cricket activities until 2029, casting a shadow over his
illustrious career.
The
violations cited against Samuels were detailed under various articles of the
Anti-Corruption Code. These included Article 2.4.2, where he was found guilty,
by a majority decision, of failing to disclose receipt of gifts, payments, or
any form of hospitality that could harm his reputation or that of cricket.
Another unanimous decision was made regarding Article 2.4.3, highlighting his
failure to disclose hospitality valued at over $750.
Furthermore, Samuels was found guilty, unanimously, of not cooperating with the designated Anti-Corruption Official's investigation, a violation detailed under Article 2.4.6. The final unanimous decision was concerning Article 2.4.7, accusing him of obstructing or delaying the investigation by concealing crucial information pertinent to the case.
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Alex
Marshall, the head of ICC's HR and Integrity Unit, emphasized Samuels'
two-decade-long career and his active participation during the offenses.
Marshall highlighted that despite Samuels being retired at present, his actions
during the committed offenses held significant weight in the disciplinary
proceedings. Marshall further stressed that the stringent six-year ban aims to
serve as a formidable deterrent against any participant contemplating rule
violations within the sport.
Samuels,
throughout his extensive international cricket tenure spanning close to two
decades, engaged in over 300 matches for the West Indies. His contributions
encompassed scoring 17 centuries and leading the Caribbean side in the 50-over
format. However, his legacy now contends with the implications of the six-year
ban imposed by the ICC, signifying the governing body's unwavering stance
against corruption in cricket.