In a significant development for international cricket, West Indies player Devon Thomas has been banned from all forms of the sport for five years after admitting to multiple breaches of anti-corruption rules, as announced by the International Cricket Council (ICC).
The sanction, which has been backdated to begin on May 23, 2023, reflects Thomas’s involvement in corrupt activities across several T20 leagues.
The ICC, acting as the Designated Anti-Corruption Official under the codes of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), Emirates Cricket Board (ECB), and the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), found Thomas guilty of seven distinct breaches. Notably, the last 18 months of his ban will be suspended, acknowledging his cooperation with the authorities after his provisional suspension.
Thomas’s violations span across various serious offenses, designed to protect the integrity of the sport. His breaches include attempts to fix matches, failing to report corrupt approaches, non-cooperation with anti-corruption investigations, and obstructing such investigations by concealing or destroying relevant information.
The specific charges laid against Thomas include:
• Under the SLC Code: Attempting to fix matches during the Lanka Premier League 2021, failure to promptly report corrupt approaches, and refusal to cooperate with the ongoing investigations.
• Under the ECB Code: Not disclosing corrupt approaches during the Abu Dhabi T10 in 2021.
• Under the CPL Code: Similar non-disclosures of corrupt approaches during the 2021 season and failure to report gifts or benefits intended to influence or capable of bringing disrepute to the game.
Alex Marshall, ICC General Manager – Integrity Unit, expressed his views on the matter, stating, “Having played both international and professional domestic/franchise cricket, Devon attended numerous anti-corruption education sessions. He therefore knew what his obligations were under the Anti-Corruption Codes but failed to meet these obligations across three different franchise leagues.”
Marshall further highlighted that this ban should serve as a stark warning to players and corrupt elements that any attempts to undermine the sport will be met with strict consequences. “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,” he added.
Devon Thomas, who debuted for the West Indies in 2009, has appeared in 34 international matches across different formats. His last appearance for the national team was in 2022. The ban effectively sidelines his professional career, casting a shadow over his contributions to cricket and serving as a cautionary tale for other cricketers about the critical importance of integrity in sport.
As the cricketing world absorbs the impact of this decision, it underscores the ongoing challenges sports authorities face in keeping competitive sports free from corruption and maintaining the spirit and integrity of the game.
