Devon Thomas finds himself at the centre of controversy as the ICC imposes a five-year ban on him for his involvement in match-fixing. The ban comes following investigations into Devon Thomas’s activities across various cricket leagues, including the Lanka Premier League, Caribbean Premier League, and Abu Dhabi T10 League.
West Indian wicket-keeper batsman Devon Thomas’s international career was cut short by a ban in 2023. Despite the abrupt end, Devon Thomas showcased promise across formats, scoring over 240 runs with a healthy strike rate in ODIs, and behind the stumps, he took wickets in an ODI, a rarity for wicket-keepers.
The ICC dropped a bombshell on May 2nd, 2023, banning West Indian cricketer Devon Thomas for five years due to breaches in anti-corruption codes. Despite admitting to the charges, Devon Thomas faces a significant setback in his career. The ICC’s decision sends a strong message against corruption in cricket, prompting discussions on player education and the need for vigilance to uphold the game’s integrity.
Ban At The Age of 34 For Devon Thomas
West Indies wicketkeeper-batsman Devon Thomas has been handed a five-year ban by the International Cricket Council (ICC). The 34-year-old Devon Thomas has confessed to breaching seven anti-corruption codes across Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB), and the Caribbean Premier League (CPL).
Devon Thomas’ ban has been retroactively set to start from May 23, 2023, the date of his provisional suspension. As a result, Devon Thomas will be eligible to return to all forms of cricket on May 24, 2028, at the age of 38.
Media Release Of ICC
“Having played both international and professional domestic/franchise cricket, Devon attended nume 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.” in the media statement the General Manager of the ICC Alex Marshall remarked.
Devon Thomas’s Career
Devon Thomas, originally from Antigua, has played one Test, 21 ODIs, and 12 T20Is for the West Indies national team. He made his debut in the West Indies’ ODI squad in 2009. In Devon Thomas’s latest match, he scored 31 runs in two innings. In his last T20I against New Zealand, despite being promoted in the batting order, Devon Thomas was dismissed for a single-digit score.
The Codes Devon Thomas Breached
SLC Code Article 2.1.1: Engaging in or being involved in an agreement to fix, attempt to fix, contrive, or improperly influence the outcome, progress, conduct, or other elements of matches in the Lanka Premier League 2021.
SLC Code Article 2.4.4: Failing to promptly disclose to the designated Anti-Corruption Official all relevant details regarding any approaches or invitations received to participate in corrupt activities during the Lanka Premier League 2021.
SLC Code Article 2.4.6: Refusing, without valid justification, to cooperate with the designated Anti-Corruption Official’s investigation by withholding or providing inaccurate or incomplete information or documents when requested.
SLC Code Article 2.4.7: Obstructing or delaying the designated Anti-Corruption Official’s investigation into corrupt activities, including but not limited to concealing, tampering with, or destroying any relevant documentation or information.
ECB Code Article 2.4.4: Failing to promptly disclose to the designated Anti-Corruption Official all relevant details regarding any approaches or invitations received to participate in corrupt activities during the Abu Dhabi T10 2021.
CPL Code Article 2.4.4: Failing to promptly disclose to the designated Anti-Corruption Official all relevant details regarding any approaches or invitations received to participate in corrupt activities during the CPL 2021.
CPL Code Article 2.4.2: Failing to promptly disclose to the designated Anti-Corruption Official any receipt of gifts, payments, hospitality, or benefits that could have been intended to induce a violation of the CPL Code or bring the player or cricket into disrepute.