West Indies batsman Devon Thomas has been banned from all cricket for five years after admitting to breaches of the anti-corruption codes of three cricket boards.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced the ban on Thursday, stating that Thomas admitted to seven charges in total. These charges stemmed from violations of the anti-corruption codes of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB), and the Caribbean Premier League (CPL).
The ICC, acting as the Designated Anti-Corruption Official, imposed a five-year ineligibility period with the final 18 months suspended. The ban is backdated to May 23, 2023, the date of Thomas’ provisional suspension.
Details of the charges against Devon Thomas revealed breaches related to failing to report approaches to engage in corrupt activities, obstructing investigations, and not disclosing gifts or benefits that could potentially bring the sport into disrepute. The specific charges included:
Lanka Premier League 2021: Fixing or attempting to fix matches (Article 2.1.1, SLC Code) and failing to report corrupt approaches and cooperate with investigations (Articles 2.4.4, 2.4.6 & 2.4.7, SLC Code).
Abu Dhabi T10 League 2021: Failing to report corrupt approaches (Article 2.4.4, ECB Code).
Caribbean Premier League 2021: Failing to report corrupt approaches and gifts or benefits (Articles 2.4.4 & 2.4.2, CPL Code).
“Having participated in both international and domestic cricket, Devon Thomas was well aware of his obligations under the Anti-Corruption Codes,” said Alex Marshall, ICC General Manager – Integrity Unit. “This ban serves as a strong message that the ICC will take firm action against any attempts to corrupt our sport.”
Thomas, who made his West Indies debut in 2009, played in 34 international matches across formats. His last appearance for the Windies came in 2022.
