Abu Dhabi T10 league’s former assistant coach banned under anti-corruption
Sunny Dhillon, a former assistant coach of a franchise team in the Abu Dhabi T10 Cricket League, has been banned from all forms of cricket for six years. The Emirates Cricket Board found Dhillon guilty of breaching its Anti-Corruption Code following incidents during the 2021 edition of the tournament.
Dhillon was one of eight individuals charged last year for allegedly attempting to manipulate match outcomes. The International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Designated Anti-Corruption Official (DACO) for the Emirates Cricket Board identified these violations and intervened during the tournament.
After a thorough investigation, a tribunal hearing concluded that Dhillon had violated three specific articles of the ECB Anti-Corruption Code. The violations include:
- Article 2.1.1: Being involved in an attempt to fix, contrive, or improperly influence matches or aspects of matches in the Abu Dhabi T10 League 2021.
- Article 2.4.4: Failing to disclose full details of any approaches or invitations to engage in corrupt conduct to the DACO.
- Article 2.4.6: Refusing to cooperate with the DACO’s investigation without providing valid justification.
The ban has been backdated to September 13, 2023, when Dhillon was provisionally suspended. This decision highlights the ECB’s firm stance on maintaining the integrity of cricket by punishing any corrupt practices.
The tribunal process involved a full presentation of evidence, including written and oral arguments. Following the deliberations, Dhillon was found guilty of all charges, leading to his six-year ban.
The ICC and the DACO’s timely intervention during the Abu Dhabi T10 League 2021 disrupted the alleged corrupt activities. Their efforts showcase the importance of vigilance and strict enforcement of anti-corruption protocols in cricket.
This ruling serves as a strong message to all players and officials about the consequences of engaging in corruption. The ECB remains committed to protecting the game’s reputation and ensuring fair play.
The Abu Dhabi T10 League, a popular short-format tournament, attracts players and fans worldwide. However, incidents like these emphasise the need for constant monitoring to safeguard the sport’s credibility.
Sunny Dhillon’s ban underscores the seriousness with which cricket’s governing bodies address corruption.
This ban sends a strong message to all stakeholders: cricket’s governing bodies will take decisive action against anyone attempting to tarnish the game’s reputation. It also reinforces the importance of transparency and cooperation in investigations to uphold the sport’s values.
