Sunny Dhillon, the former assistant coach of a franchise in the Abu Dhabi T10 Cricket League, has been banned from all forms of cricket for six years. The International Cricket Council (ICC) confirmed the decision on Tuesday, revealing that Dhillon had breached the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) Anti-Corruption Code.
Charges Against Dhillon
Dhillon was among eight individuals who were charged with corruption as a result of the 2021 Abu Dhabi T10 Cricket League investigation. They attempted to change or cheat at matches that were in progress during the tournament. It was blocked by the ICC and the DACO, who had been observing the tournament on behalf of the ECB.
What Did Dhillon Do Wrong?
The ICC Tribunal convicted Dhillon of the following breaches of the Anti-Corruption Code:
Article 2.1.1: Trying to change or affect the outcome of or parts of matches in the 2021 Abu Dhabi T10.
Article 2.4.4: Failure or refusal to provide full information regarding any approaches or invitations received that relate to corrupt conduct.
Article 2.4.6: Failure to cooperate with the investigation into the corrupt conduct, without providing a valid reason.
The Suspension & Ban
Dhillon’s ban has been retroactively applied from September 13, 2023, the date he was provisionally suspended. This means he will be excluded from all cricketing activities for the next six years, making it a serious penalty for his actions.
Abu Dhabi T10 League Going In Full Swing
Despite the controversies, the 2024 edition of the Abu Dhabi T10 witnessed some exciting cricket. The Deccan Gladiators chased down a modest target of 105 runs with ease, winning by eight wickets with more than three overs to spare. Jos Buttler’s stellar performance earned him the title of Player of the Tournament.
ICC’s Action: A Strong Reminder Towards Playing Fair Cricket
Dhillon’s six-year ban sends a strong message on the ICC’s commitment towards ensuring that cricket remains clean and fair. The governing body continues to crack down on corruption, further emphasizing the importance of integrity at every level of the game.
