West Indies cricketer Devon Thomas has been hit with a significant blow to his career, facing five years of ineligibility from all cricket. This verdict comes after Thomas admitted to breaching 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) acted as the Designated Anti-Corruption Official, overseeing the disciplinary action and ruling that the last 18 months of the period of ineligibility would be suspended. The ban, backdated to May 23, 2023, coincides with Thomas’s provisional suspension.
Thomas was found guilty of multiple breaches, including contriving to fix matches, failing to disclose corrupt approaches, and obstructing investigations. These infractions spanned various cricket leagues, including the Lanka Premier League, Abu Dhabi T10, and CPL.
In response to the verdict, Alex Marshall, ICC General Manager – Integrity Unit, emphasized Thomas’s familiarity with anti-corruption protocols, given his extensive experience in international and domestic cricket. Marshall underscored the severity of Thomas’s actions, stating that the ban serves as a stern warning to players and corrupt entities attempting to compromise the integrity of the sport.
Devon Thomas, who represented West Indies in 34 matches across formats since his debut in 2009, faces a significant setback in his cricketing career. His failure to adhere to anti-corruption regulations across multiple leagues has led to severe consequences, highlighting the ICC’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of the game.
