West Indies Cricketer Devon Thomas Faces Five-Year Ban for Anti-Corruption Code Breach

Devon Thomas, a cricketer from the West Indies, has been declared ineligible to participate in all forms of cricket for five years. This decision comes after he admitted to violating seven counts of the anti-corruption codes of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB), and the Caribbean Premier League (CPL).

The International Cricket Council (ICC), acting as the Designated Anti-Corruption Official under the relevant codes, announced the period of ineligibility. The last 18 months of this period will be suspended, according to the ruling.

The ineligibility period, which has been backdated to May 23, 2023, coincides with the date Thomas was provisionally suspended.

The following are the codes that Thomas breached:

• SLC Code Article 2.1.1 – Involvement in an agreement to manipulate or attempt to manipulate the outcome, progress, conduct, or other aspects of matches in the Lanka Premier League 2021.
• SLC Code Article 2.4.4 – Failure to promptly disclose full details of an approach or invitations received to engage in Corrupt Conduct in the Lanka Premier League 2021 to the Designated Anti-Corruption Official.
• SLC Code Article 2.4.6 – Refusal or failure to cooperate with the Designated Anti-Corruption Official’s investigation by not providing accurate and complete information and/or documentation as requested.
• SLC Code Article 2.4.7 – Obstruction or delay of the Designated Anti-Corruption Official’s investigation into Corrupt Conduct, including concealing, tampering with, or destroying any documentation or other information relevant to the investigation.
• ECB Code Article 2.4.4 – Failure to promptly disclose full details of an approach or invitations received to engage in Corrupt Conduct at the Abu Dhabi T10 2021 to the Designated Anti-Corruption Official.
• CPL Code Article 2.4.4 – Failure to promptly disclose full details of an approach or invitations received to engage in Corrupt Conduct in relation to the CPL 2021 to the Designated Anti-Corruption Official.
• CPL Code Article 2.4.2 – Failure to promptly disclose the receipt of any gift, payment, hospitality, or benefit that was known or should have been known to be made to procure a breach of the CPL Code, or that could have brought the player or the game of cricket into disrepute to the Designated Anti-Corruption Official.

Alex Marshall, ICC General Manager – Integrity Unit, commented on the matter, stating, “Devon, having played both international and professional domestic/franchise cricket, attended numerous anti-corruption education sessions. He was fully aware of his obligations under the Anti-Corruption Codes but failed to meet these obligations across three different franchise leagues.”

Marshall added, “This ban is appropriate and should serve as a stern warning to players and corrupters that attempts to tarnish our sport will be dealt with firmly.”

Thomas, who made his debut in 2009, played 34 matches for the West Indies across various formats. His last representation for the Windies was in 2022.