Devon Thomas banned from cricket for five years by ICC

Charged almost exactly a year ago with breaching seven counts of various anti-corruption codes in 2021, the world governing body have issued a substantial punishment

Devon Thomas, the all-format West Indies international, has been banned from the sport for five years for a series of anti-corruption breaches.

In total, the 34-year-old, who played 34 times for his country between 2009 and 2022, was found guilty of breaching seven counts of three separate codes.

They relate to the Lanka Premier League, T10 League and T10 League in 2021.

Though handed a "period of ineligibility" of five years it has been backdated to May 23, 2023 when Thomas was originally charged, while the last 18 months have been suspended.

The offences Thomas committed include:

- Article 2.1.1 of the SLC Code - contriving or being party to an agreement to fix or attempt to fix, contrive or influence improperly the result, progress, conduct or other aspects of matches in the Lanka Premier League 2021.

Thomas in action during the Caribbean Premier League (Randy Brooks - CPL T20/CPL T20 via Getty Images)

- Article 2.4.4 of the SLC 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 the Lanka Premier League 2021.

- 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.

Related: Marlon Samuels banned from cricket for six years by ICC

Thomas played one Test for the Windies against Australia in December 2022(Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

- 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.

In the ICC statement confirming the ruling, general unit general manager Alex Marshall added: "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.

"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."

Join The Cricketer's brand new Whatsapp channel for the latest breaking news, comment and features - click here to become a member