11 Feb 2007
Dubai: West Indies cricketer Marlon Samuels, who is under investigation for his alleged links with a bookie, can continue to play until proven guilty, according to a senior International Cricket Council (ICC) official.
"The ICC will follow the natural law of justice in this matter and we have ordered an investigation into the incident," Brian Murgatroyd, the ICC Media and Communication manager, told Gulf News yesterday.
Samuels can thus be selected in the West Indies team for the World Cup unless found guilty following the investigation.
Time factor
The alleged conversation between Samuels and alleged bookie Mukesh Kochar took place before the first One-day match against India in Nagpur.
Meanwhile, the ICC has sent officials from its Anti Corruption Unit to Nagpur to investigate the incident.
When asked how long will it take for the investigation report to be ready, Murgatroyd said: "It is not possible to say how much time is required for the investigation. "On completion of the investigation the report will be presented to Lord Paul Condon, Chairman of the ICC Anti Corruption Unit."
According to information from the West Indies, Samuels will play for Jamaica in the KFC Limited over game against Trinidad and Tobago team at the Sabina Park today.
By K.R. Nayar
Gulf News 2007. All rights reserved.
