Former Zimbabwe captain Brendan Taylor claimed that he was approached by bookies in India to bask in spot-fixing and was later blackmailed by threatening to leak a video of him sniffing cocaine.
Taylor clarified on Twitter on Monday that although the incident has left him in a ‘darkish spot’, he has not been concerned in any type of match-fixing. However, he might face a ban by the ICC’s Anti-Corruption Code because it took him 4 months to learn of this strategy.
Describing it as a ‘burden’ that the 35-year-old has been dealing with for 2 years, Taylor stated he’s something however a cheater however is silent about it as he feared for his household and his security throughout this time. Was. Taylor stated that no matter resolution the ICC takes on this regard, he’ll settle for it.
Taylor wrote in a four-page assertion on Twitter:
I’ve been carrying a load for greater than 2 years which has taken me to very darkish locations and has had a profound impact on my psychological well being. And I’ve solely lately managed to begin sharing my story with shut family and friends and I believe I used to be so embarrassed and scared within the first place.
It might not be simple to learn, however I wish to make an announcement a few conclusion made by the ICC, which shall be launched quickly. At the top of October 2019, I used to be requested by an Indian businessman to attend India to debate the sponsorship and attainable launch of a T20 competitors in Zimbabwe and was suggested that I ought to be capable to journey for USD $15,000 shall be paid.
I am unable to deny I used to be slightly cautious. But the time was such that we weren’t paid by Zimbabwe Cricket for six months and it was uncertain whether or not Zimbabwe would be capable to proceed taking part in within the worldwide area. That’s why I traveled. The dialogue ensued, as he stated, and on our final night time on the resort, the businessman and his colleagues took me to dinner to have a good time.
We drank and throughout the night he brazenly provided me cocaine, which he himself was engaged in, and I foolishly took the bait. I’ve gone by means of it 1,000,000 occasions and nonetheless really feel the ache in my abdomen that night time and the way they performed me.
The subsequent morning, the identical folks barged into my resort room and confirmed me a video from the night time earlier than I attempted cocaine and instructed me that if I did not spot-fix worldwide matches for them, the video could be launched to the general public.
I used to be surrounded. And with 6 of those folks in my resort room, I used to be scared for my security. I had fallen for it. Voluntarily walked right into a scenario that modified my life eternally.
I used to be given $15,000 USD, however was instructed it’s now a ‘deposit’ for spot fixing and a further $20,000 shall be paid after the “job” is accomplished. I took the cash in order that I might board the aircraft and depart India. I felt like I had no alternative on the time as a result of clearly saying no was not an possibility. All I knew was that I needed to get out of there.
When I returned house, the stress of what had occurred took a toll on my psychological and bodily well being. I used to be a multitude. I used to be recognized with shingles and was prescribed the robust anti-psychotic drug – Amitriptyline.
The ‘businessman’ wished a return on his funding which I couldn’t and wouldn’t give. It took me 4 months to report this offense and negotiate with the ICC. I admit it was a really very long time however I felt I might shield everybody and particularly my household. I contacted the ICC by myself phrases and I hoped that if I defined my plight, my real worry for our security and well-being, they might perceive the delay.
Unfortunately, they did not, however I am unable to excuse ignorance on this regard. I’ve attended a number of anti-corruption seminars through the years and we all know that timing is vital when getting ready stories.
To my household, pals and supporters. Here is my full assertion. Thank You! pic.twitter.com/sVCckD4PMV
— Brendan Taylor (@Brendan Taylor86) 24 January 2022
Taylor made his debut for Zimbabwe in 2004 in an ODI towards Sri Lanka. He scored 6684 runs in 205 matches with 11 ODI centuries. He scored 2320 runs in 34 Tests and 934 runs in 45 T20 Internationals. He retired from worldwide cricket final yr, calling his 17-year profession the very best stage.
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With inputs from TheIndianEXPRESS
