Marlon Samuels banned for six years by Cricket Governing Body for breaching Anti-Corruption Code

Marlon Samuels has been handed a six-year ban by Cricket Governing Body on Thursday. The former West Indies batter faced four charges brought forth by the Cricket Governing Body in their role as the Designated Anti-Corruption Official under the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) Code, in September 2021 and then found guilty of the offences in August this year. 

Samuels has been part of the T20 World Cup winning squad for the Windies in the years 2012 and 2016. He played more than 300 international matches across all formats. Samuels has played 71 Tests, 207 ODIs, and 67 T20Is for West Indies. He scored a total of 11,314 runs in international cricket (3917 in Tests, 5605 in ODIs, and 1611 runs in T20Is).

Marlon Samules's charges 

The four charges Samuels was found guilty of are listed as, 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. In Article 2.4.6 (unanimous decision) – Failing to cooperate with the Designated Anti-Corruption Official’s investigation. The last, 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.

Alex Marshall, the General Manager – HR and Integrity Unit, said, "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."

"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."

West Indies are the co-host alongside USA to hold the T20 World Cup in 2024.