Ex-West Indies star Samuels banned for breaching anti-corruption code

Marlon Samuels, aged 42, has been handed a six-year ban from all cricket activities by the International Cricket Council (ICC) following his conviction on four violations of the Emirates Cricket Board Anti-Corruption Code.

The former West Indies batter, who retired in 2020 after representing his country in all three formats, faced charges in September 2021 and was officially found guilty in August following an independent tribunal hearing.

The infractions stem from his behavior during the Abu Dhabi T10 league in 2019, and the ban came into effect on November 11th.

Despite his retirement, Samuels, who accumulated 3,917 runs in 71 test matches (2000-2016) and 5,606 runs in 207 One-Day Internationals, was deemed accountable for offenses committed during his active participation.

Alex Marshall, the head of the ICC HR and Integrity Unit, emphasized that Samuels had undergone numerous anti-corruption sessions throughout his nearly two-decade-long international cricket career.

Marshall stated that the six-year ban serves as a robust deterrent, especially considering Samuels' involvement in the offenses during his playing days.

Notably, this is not the first time Samuels has faced such consequences, as he was previously banned for two years in 2008 for sharing team information with a bookmaker.