Marlon Samuels slapped with six-year ban from all cricket after rules breach

Former West Indies all-rounder Marlon Samuels has been banned from participating in all forms of cricket for breaching anti-corruption rules.

The 42-year-old retired from all professional cricket in 2020. However, while participating in the 2019 Abu Dhabi T10 league, he was found guilty of breaking four anti-corruption rules by the International Cricket Council.

The ICC found that Samuels failed to disclose the receipt of a payment, gift or other benefit and of disclosing hospitality worth more than $750. After being charged with the offence in 2021, the ICC claimed he failed to cooperate with the investigation.

"Mr 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," said Alex Marshall, general manager of the ICC's HR and integrity unit, as per the BBC.

"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, who won the T20 World Cup twice with the West Indies, has had multiple run-ins with the ICC during his storied career.

He was banned for two years between 2008 and 2010 for giving insider information to a bookmaker during a 2007 ODI series in India. Samuels was also banned on two separate occasions from bowling seam due to a suspect bowling action.

READ MORE: ICC set to trial stop clocks in men's one-day and T20 internationals to regulate time wasting