The International Cricket Council (ICC) has imposed a six-year ban on Sunny Dhillon, the assistant coach of the Pune Devils, for breaching the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) Anti-Corruption Code. Following an investigation, Dhillon was charged with corrupt activities during the 2021 Abu Dhabi T10 tournament, where several players were implicated in attempts to influence match results.
Key violations by Sunny Dhillon
Dhillon’s ban follows an ICC investigation in collaboration with its anti-corruption unit, the Designated Anti-Corruption Official (DACO), into corruption in the 2021 Abu Dhabi T10 League. His ban has been backdated to 13 September 2023, when he was provisionally suspended.
“These efforts were disrupted by the ICC and the Designated Anti-Corruption Official (DACO) for the purposes of the ECB’s Code for the tournament,” an ICC release stated.
Other individuals charged last year include Bangladesh all-rounder Nasir Hossain, who received a two-year ban earlier this year. Also implicated were the Pune Devils’ co-owners Krishan Kumar Chaudhary and Parag Sanghvi, batting coach Ashar Zaidi, team manager Shadab Ahamed, and two domestic players.
The 2021 edition was the last time the Devils participated in the tournament, finishing last with just one win in six matches. Dhillon was found guilty of breaching three major provisions of the ECB Anti-Corruption Code:
- Article 2.1.1: Being involved in fixing or improperly influencing matches.
- Article 2.4.4: Failing to disclose details of approaches or invitations to engage in corrupt conduct.
- Article 2.4.6: Refusing to cooperate with the investigation by DACO without valid justification.
Dhillon’s suspension is the latest in a series of disciplinary actions. Others have already faced the umpire’s decision. Nasir Hossain was handed a two-year ban in January 2024. Ashar Zaidi, Krishan Kumar Chaudhary, and Parag Sanghvi were banned in August 2024 after admitting to corruption charges.
The ICC is striving to eliminate corruption and increase transparency within leagues, organising bodies, players, and officials worldwide to preserve the integrity of the game.
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