Former West Indies cricketer convicted on multiple counts related to 2019 Abu Dhabi T10
Marlon Samuels, the former West Indies batter renowned for his explosive performances on the cricket field, has been found guilty of breaching the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) anti-corruption code. The charges, stemming from his involvement in the 2019 edition of the Abu Dhabi T10 tournament, were brought before an independent anti-corruption tribunal.
The tribunal, consisting of impartial members, deliberated over the allegations and reached a verdict after careful consideration of the evidence and arguments presented. The former cricketer exercised his right to a hearing, leading to the comprehensive examination of the charges.
The violations for which Samuels was found guilty include a series of offenses outlined in the ECB's anti-corruption code:
Article 2.4.2: Failing to disclose the receipt of gifts, payments, hospitality, or other benefits that could bring discredit to him or the sport of cricket.
Article 2.4.3: Failing to disclose hospitality valued at or exceeding US $750.
Article 2.4.6: Failing to cooperate with the designated anti-corruption official's investigation.
Article 2.4.7: Obstructing or delaying the designated anti-corruption official's investigation by concealing relevant information.
The tribunal found Samuels guilty on all four counts, with a majority decision on the first count and unanimous decisions on the remaining three.
The charges revolve around Samuels' participation in the 2019 Abu Dhabi T10 tournament, held under the auspices of the ECB. While he was drafted into the Karnataka Tuskers squad, he did not take the field during the tournament. The breaches of the anti-corruption code pertain to his alleged failure to disclose pertinent information, including the receipt of certain benefits and the obstruction of the official investigation.
Samuels, who retired from international cricket in November 2020, leaves behind a remarkable career that spanned 71 Test matches, 207 One Day Internationals (ODIs), and 67 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). He amassed over 11,000 international runs and registered 17 centuries, leaving an indelible mark on the sport.
Throughout his career, Samuels courted both admiration and controversy. Notably, he played a pivotal role in West Indies' victories in the T20 World Cup finals of 2012 and 2016, showcasing his undeniable talent on the grandest stages. However, his career was also marred by past transgressions, including a two-year ban in 2008 for receiving money that could tarnish the image of cricket.
In 2021, Marlon Samuels was one of 19 Jamaican cricketers featured on a mural unveiled at Sabina Park, as part of an ambitious art project aimed at transforming Kingston into a vibrant "destination city."
The tribunal will now proceed to determine the appropriate sanctions for the breaches, considering the arguments put forth by each party involved. Samuels' legacy, which combines moments of brilliance with instances of controversy, will serve as a reminder of the complex nature of professional sports and the vigilance required to uphold the integrity of the game.
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