The International Cricket Council (ICC) has imposed a six-year prohibition on former West Indies cricketer Marlon Samuels from engaging in any form of professional cricket activities, effective from November 11. Even though Samuels had retired from professional cricket, the ICC emphasized that the infractions occurred while he was an active professional player. His cricketing tenure spanned over 20 years, representing the West Indies on numerous occasions.
The ICC brought forth charges against Samuels in September 2021 for violations of the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) Anti-Corruption Code, which enlists the ICC as its Designated Anti-Corruption Official. In August following year, Samuels was found guilty on four counts by an independent Anti-Corruption Tribunal.
One specific violation was under Article 2.4.2 of the code, which pertains to the non-disclosure of receiving any gifts, payments, hospitality, or other benefits that could potentially tarnish the reputation of the individual or the sport. Furthermore, he failed to comply with Article 2.4.3, which involves nondisclosure of hospitality exceeding the value of $750.
Additionally, Samuels was convicted of violating Article 2.4.6, associated with the failure to cooperate with an investigation led by the Designated Anti-Corruption Official. He was also found guilty of obstructing and delaying an investigation by concealing pertinent information, which contravenes Article 2.4.7.
ICC’s general manager, Alex Marshall, addressed the gravity of the situation by stating that Samuels, during his two decades of international experience, was well aware of his responsibilities as stipulated in the Anti-Corruption Codes through numerous educational sessions. Marshall emphasized that even though Samuels is now retired, the six-year ban serves as a stringent caution to all active players against any intentions of breaching the regulations.
The six-year suspension adds a layer of disgrace to Samuels’ otherwise illustrious career, which includes 71 Test matches, 204 One-Day Internationals, 67 Twenty20 Internationals, and 122 first-class games. Samuels, primarily batting in the middle order, accumulated in excess of 11,000 runs, with 5,606 in ODIs and 3,917 in Test matches.
Despite his achievements on the field, Samuels’ career has been marred by controversy, and the current ban is not his first encounter with disciplinary action. Previously in May 2008, he faced a two-year suspension after being implicated in receiving money, or other benefits, which could potentially defame him or the sport of cricket.
In November 2020, Samuels concluded his professional cricket journey, with his last appearance for the West Indies taking place two years prior. The announcement of the ban reflects the ICC’s continuous commitment to preserving the integrity of the sport by ensuring adherence to its Anti-Corruption Code. It also serves as a poignant reminder that the consequences of such violations can follow players well into retirement, underscoring the importance of ethical conduct throughout one’s playing career. Samuels’ case is a somber endpoint to a career that was, until now, celebrated for his on-field prowess and vital contributions to West Indies cricket.
