Taylor faces ICC ban for delay in reporting fixing approach…

Zimbabwe batter Brendan Taylor is dealing with a ban from the Worldwide Cricket Council (ICC) after admitting he obtained a USD 15,000 “deposit” for spot-fixing, although he mentioned he was blackmailed and by no means went by way of with the association.

Taylor mentioned he was coerced into accepting the cash from an Indian businessman in October 2019 and that it took him 4 months to report the incident to the ICC anti-corruption unit as a result of he feared for his security.

Taylor travelled to India to debate the launch of a brand new T20 competitors in Zimbabwe with the promise of USD 15,000 as fee.

“We had drinks and through the course of the night, they freely provided me cocaine, which they themselves engaged in. I foolishly took the bait,” Taylor mentioned in a press release launched by way of Twitter on Monday.

“The next morning, the identical males stormed into my lodge room and confirmed me a video taken of me the evening earlier than doing cocaine and instructed me that if I didn’t spot-fix at worldwide matches for them, the video could be launched to the general public.”

Taylor mentioned he was handed USD 15,000 as a deposit, and promised he would obtain one other USD 20,000 when the job was full. “I wish to place on file that I’ve by no means been concerned in any type of match-fixing. I could also be many issues, however I’m not a cheat,” he mentioned.

“That being mentioned, the ICC are taking the choice to impose a multi-year ban on my worldwide cricketing profession. I humbly settle for this determination.”

Taylor added he would verify right into a rehabilitation facility on Tuesday to deal with his substance abuse.

The ICC and Zimbabwe Cricket haven’t responded to requests for remark.

The 35-year-old Taylor, who performed for Zimbabwe in 34 Assessments, 205 one-dayers and 45 T20s, retired from worldwide cricket in September.

Former Zimbabwe all-rounder and coach Heath Streak was banned by the ICC for eight years final April for his function in revealing inside info which might be used for betting functions.