At age 26, the classy right hand batsman whose international cricketing career started in the West Indies 2000-01 campaign in Australia finds himself at the centre of international media attention.
Nagpur Police revealed Wednesday that Samuels was involved in a link-up with a bookmaker ahead of a recent One-Day International (ODI) In India.
However, the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) says it is awaiting official word on allegations the West Indian batsman faces investigation for leaking team information to an Indian bookmaker.
Police in India said a report on the incident had been sent to the Indian cricket board (BCCI) and the sport’s world governing body, the ICC, but the WICB says it has not been “officially contacted” on the incident and would make no sweeping comment at this time.
“We have not been officially contacted and have no information from the BCCI or the ICC. When we do we will have a complete investigation of the allegations,” said WICB Corporate Services Manager, Tony Deyal, in a short release on Wednesday night.
Nagpur police declared Wednesday that it has evidence, including taped phone conversations allegedly between Samuels and bookie Mukesh Kochchar ahead of the first ODI between the two teams on January 21.
Late Wednesday, An Indian TV channel Times Now, quoted Samuels as saying that he knew Kochhar but was not aware that he was a bookie.
Nagpur's deputy police commissioner Amitesh Kumar says Samuels gave out information on the batting line-up although the police had “no evidence about financial commitment made”.
Such an action is a violation of the ICC Code of Conduct for players and while the WICB suggested that it is prepared to act firmly if the stylish 26-year-old right-hander has breached the rules, the regional body is not about to act hastily or make premature judgements regarding the allegations.
“We are not going to act on rumour or gossip and will not be panicked. Particularly since we are talking about the career and future of a young cricketer of talent and promise,” Deyal stated in the release.
“We have a zero tolerance policy to gambling, drugs and racism and adhere rigorously to the ICC codes on these matters. This position is incorporated into our Match Tour Contracts which the players sign,” Deyal added.
The WICB release makes no mention if the board has yet contacted Samuels over the allegations but promised a full investigation.
“Rest assured, that the matter will be investigated and appropriate action taken consistent with the ICC regulations and our own reputation for probity in all matters.
“The West Indies Players Association will be involved in whatever investigation is conducted and Mr. Samuels rights will be fully protected,” Deyal said.
For the match in question, India had beaten the West Indies by 14 runs, the first game of the four-match series which India went on to win 3-1.
Samuels bowled 10 overs at a cost of 53 runs and scored 40 off 60 balls in the failed run-chase.
Indian made 338 for three off their 50 overs, and West Indies – propelled by a brilliant century from Shivnarine Chanderpaul -- threatened the target before finishing on 324 for eight.
Samuels hit three fours and a six in his innings.
CMC lw/07
Today's Date is: Sat, 17 May 2008 23:08:52
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