The International Cricket Council (ICC) has taken decisive action against West Indies all-rounder and wicket-keeper Devon Thomas, charging him with seven counts under their anti-corruption codes. Thomas has been provisionally suspended with immediate effect following allegations of his involvement in match-fixing attempts in the Lanka Premier League, Abu Dhabi T20, and Caribbean Premier League (CPL).
The ICC, acting on behalf of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB), and the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), has brought charges against Thomas under the respective anti-corruption codes. In an official release on Tuesday, cricket’s world governing body stated that Thomas has been charged with multiple violations.
Under the SLC Anti-Corruption Code for Participants, Thomas has been accused of contriving or being party to an agreement to fix, attempt to fix, or influence improperly the result, progress, conduct, or other aspects of matches in the Lanka Premier League 2021, as stated in Article 2.1.1.
Additionally, Thomas has been charged with failing to disclose promptly to the Designated Anti-Corruption Official any approach or invitation received to engage in Corrupt Conduct in the Lanka Premier League 2021, as per Article 2.4.6 of the SLC Code.
Furthermore, Thomas faces charges under Article 2.4.7 of the SLC Code for obstructing or delaying the Designated Anti-Corruption Official’s investigation into Corrupt Conduct, including concealing, tampering with, or destroying any relevant documentation or information that may be evidence of or lead to the discovery of Corrupt Conduct.
In relation to the Abu Dhabi T10 2021, Thomas has been charged under Article 2.4.4 of the ECB Code for failing to disclose promptly to the Designated Anti-Corruption Official full details of an approach or invitations received to engage in Corrupt Conduct.
Similarly, under the CPL Anti-Corruption Code for Participants, Thomas has been charged with failing to disclose promptly to the Designated Anti-Corruption Official full details of an approach or invitations received to engage in Corrupt Conduct during CPL 2021, as per Article 2.4.4.
Moreover, he has been accused under Article 2.4.2 of the CPL Code for failing to promptly disclose the receipt of any gift, payment, hospitality, or benefit that could have been made to procure a breach of the CPL Code or bring the player or the game of cricket into disrepute.
Devon Thomas has been given a 14-day period, starting from May 23, 2023, to respond to these charges.
Thomas, who has represented West Indies in one Test, 21 ODIs, and 12 T20 Internationals, now faces a serious investigation into his alleged involvement in these corrupt activities. The ICC’s actions underline their commitment to maintaining the integrity of the sport and safeguarding its reputation from any form of corruption.
