The Windies star cricketer Devan Thomas got a five year ban from all formats of cricket after he was proven guilty of breaching seven counts of the anti-corruption codes of Sri Lanka Cricket, the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB), and the Caribbean Premier League (CPL).
However, the ICC announced that the last 18 months period of the ineligibility would be suspended. The ban was imposed on May 23, 2023.
Thomas was guilty of breaching the following codes:
Article 2.4.6 of the SLC Code – failing or refusing, without compelling justification, to cooperate with the Designated Anti-Corruption Official’s investigation by failing to provide accurately and completely any information and/or documentation requested by the Designated Anti-Corruption Official.
Article 2.4.7 of the SLC Code – obstructing or delaying the Designated Anti-Corruption Official’s investigation into Corrupt Conduct, including (without limitation) concealing, tampering with or destroying any documentation or other information that may be relevant to that investigation and/or that may be evidence of or may lead to the discovery of evidence of Corrupt Conduct.
Article 2.4.4 of the ECB Code – failing to disclose to the Designated Anti-Corruption Official, without unnecessary delay, full details of an approach or invitations received to engage in Corrupt Conduct at the Abu Dhabi T10 2021.
Article 2.4.4 of the CPL Code – failing to disclose to the Designated Anti-Corruption Official, without unnecessary delay, full details of an approach or invitations received to engage in Corrupt Conduct in relation to the CPL 2021.
Article 2.4.2 of the CPL Code – failing to disclose to the Designated Anti-Corruption Official (without unnecessary delay) the receipt of any gift, payment, hospitality or benefit (a) that he knew or should have known was made in order to procure a breach of the CPL Code, or (b) could have brought the player or the game of cricket into disrepute.
Alex Marshall, ICC General Manager stated that that this should be a strong message to all the cricketers and corrupters who are trying to spoil the sport. He also mentioned that anyone found doing so will be dealt with strict actions.
“This ban is apt and should send a strong message to players and corrupters that attempts to corrupt our sport will be dealt with firmly.” said Alex Marshall.
Thomas has played 34 games for the West Indies making his debut in 2009. His last appearance for the Indies was in 2022.
