Dubai: Former Zimbabwe captain Brendan Taylor has been banned from all forms of cricket for three and a half years after he accepted breaching four charges of the ICC Anti-Corruption Code and, separately, one charge of the ICC Anti-Doping Code.
In a statement, the ICC said Taylor admitted to being in breach of the provisions of the ICC Anti-Corruption Code. “Former Zimbabwe captain Brendan Taylor has been banned from all cricket for three and a half years after he accepted breaching four charges of the ICC Anti-Corruption Code and, separately, one charge of the ICC Anti-Doping Code,” the ICC said.
On January 24, Taylor disclosed that he was blackmailed after “foolishly” taking cocaine during his meeting with an Indian businessman. Taylor also claimed that he was invited by the businessman to India to discuss “sponsorships” and the potential launch of a T20 event in Zimbabwe besides an offer of USD 15,000 in October 2019. He did not name the businessman in question.
The 35-year-old, who played 205 ODIs, 34 Tests, and 45 T20s before retiring last year, said he was also given a part payment to spot fix matches, which according to him, he never did.
He also tested positive for Benzoylecognine, which is primarily a result of cocaine ingestion.
“This one-month suspension will run concurrently with the suspension of three and a half years under the ICC Anti-Corruption Code. Mr. Taylor will be free to resume his involvement in the game on 28 July 2025,” the ICC added.
Alex Marshall, ICC General Manager – Integrity Unit, said: “Brendan is a former international captain who represented Zimbabwe for 17 years. Over such a long career, he participated in numerous anti-corruption and anti-doping education sessions and knew exactly what his obligations were under the ICC Anti-Corruption and Anti-Doping Codes.”
“It is disappointing that a player of his experience chose not to fulfill those obligations, however, he has accepted all charges, which has been reflected in the sanction. I would echo Brendan’s message to other players to report approaches as soon as they happen so any corrupt activity can be disrupted at the earliest possible opportunity. We wish Brendan well in his rehabilitation.”
The 35-year-old reportedly has accepted one month of ineligibility for the violation under Article 2.1 the minimum allowed under the Code. Taylor’s period of ineligibility was reduced to one month because he was able to establish that he had ingested the substance out of competition, that it was unrelated to sports performance, and because he is currently undergoing a rehabilitation treatment programme.
This one-month suspension will run concurrently with the suspension of three and a half years under the ICC Anti-Corruption Code. Taylor will be free to resume his involvement in the game on 28 July 2025.
