Former West Indies Batter Marlon Samuels Banned For Breaking Anti-Corruption Rules

Corruption claims in the global cricket world have caught up with retired West Indies star batter Marlon Samuels. As T20 World Cup Qualifiers rage on, you can find the top cricket lines on our best cricket betting sites.

Originally found guilty of breaking four anti-corruption rules in August, the 42-year-old retired professional cricket star has been banned for six years by The International Cricket Council (ICC) after an independent tribunal identified troubling rule-breaking issues dating back to the 2019 Abu Dhabi T10.

According to the ICC, it wasn't the first time that Samuels had run into behavioral issues. His "receiving money, or benefit or other reward that could bring him or the game of cricket into disrepute" while communicating with a bookmaker during a one-day series in India in 2007 led to a two-year suspension for the cricket pro.

Samuels was also suspended three times in his career for on-field transgressions surrounding his bowling off-spin, once in 2008, once in 2013, and again in 2015.

Four rules broken

The International Cricket Council and independent tribunal revealed four articles’ breaches of their anti-corruption code during their investigation of Samuels.

They include:  

• 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.

It was found that earlier this year, Samuels failed to disclose gifts such as $3,000 for business travel. He was also guilty of failing to cooperate and even obstructing and delaying the investigation into him.

Two rule breaches were related to the failure to disclose money or gifts received. The other two were due to his lack of cooperation in the investigation.

He should have known better

According to Alex Marshall, the head of ICC's HR and Integrity Unit, "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."

Samuels' six-year ban took effect on Nov. 11. Since he is not an active player or coach, it is hoped that the news of his suspension — while not directly affecting his playing career — will speak to the seriousness with which the ICC takes such corruption concerns.

More cricket concerns

Cheating by Samuels during the 2019 Abu Dhabi T10 wasn't an isolated incident. That fact could be viewed as more troubling than Samuels' actions alone. Eight players who suited up in that tournament were charged in September with rules violations during the event. Some were even involved in serious match-fixing schemes.

While concerning that such a spotlight has been cast on International Cricket, the ICC has been able to use the attention to detail just how they will deal with such violations of their rules. Hopes remain that lengthy suspensions are a serious deterrent to those acting against the betterment of the sport. We’ll have to wait and see if the suspensions have the desired effect.