Brendan Taylor, the previous Zimbabwe cricket captain, has revealed the extent of a distressing blackmail plot he confronted after businessmen took movies of him taking cocaine as a part of a possible match-fixing scandal.
Taylor, 35, has at present admitted he was blackmailed to participate in spot-fixing by a gaggle of so-called businessmen he met in October 2019 – and is now staring down the barrel of a multi-year ban on his worldwide profession.
He has pre-empted an announcement from the Worldwide Cricket Council by detailing his personal account of the alleged corruption, saying he took a $15,000 (£11,113) ‘deposit’ designed to assist spot-fixing after flying out to India for a gathering.
These discussions, Taylor was led to consider, would deal with the launch of a brand new Twenty20 competitors in Zimbabwe. On the finish of the journey, and after a meal to have a good time the deal, he accepted a proposal to hitch his hosts in taking cocaine, nonetheless.
The next morning, the alleged businessmen stormed his lodge room, outfitted with movies of him partaking within the illicit exercise. In his emotional, prolonged assertion on social media, Taylor has admitted to taking ‘too lengthy’ to report the incident.
He’s adamant that he didn’t spot-fix, however took 4 months to lift the problem with the ICC. Taylor has additionally revealed that he shall be checking right into a rehabilitation centre, in an try to sort out any substance abuse points, from tomorrow.
Former Zimbabwe captain Brendan Taylor faces a suspension after an alleged blackmail plot
‘I have been carrying a burden for over two years now that has sadly taken me to some very darkish locations and had a profound impact on my psychological well being,’ he wrote.
‘And I’ve solely not too long ago managed to begin sharing my story with shut family and friends and obtain the love and help I assume I used to be too ashamed and frightened to hunt within the first place.
‘In late October 2019, I used to be approached by an Indian businessman requesting that I attend India to debate sponsorships and the potential launch of a T20 competitors in Zimbabwe and was suggested that I might be paid USD$15,000 to make the journey.
‘I am unable to deny I used to be somewhat cautious. However the timing was such that we hadn’t been paid for six months by Zimbabwe cricket and it was questionable whether or not Zimbabwe would be capable of proceed enjoying within the worldwide enviornment. So I made the journey.
‘The discussions happened, as he had mentioned, and on our final night time within the lodge, the businessman and his colleagues took me for a celebratory dinner.
Taylor, 35, was blackmailed to participate in spot-fixing by a gaggle of so-called businessmen
‘We had drinks and in the course of the course of the night they freely supplied me cocaine, which they themselves engaged in, and I foolishly took the bait.
‘I’ve gone over it 1,000,000 instances since and nonetheless really feel sick to my abdomen reliving that night time and the way they performed me.
‘The next morning, the identical males stormed into my lodge room and confirmed me a video taken of me the night time 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.
‘I used to be cornered. And with six of those people in my lodge room, I used to be scared for my very own security. I might fallen for it. I might willingly walked right into a state of affairs that has modified my life eternally.
‘I used to be handed the USD$15,000 however was instructed this was now a “deposit” for spot-fixing and that an extra USD$20,000 could be paid as soon as the “job” as soon as full. I took the cash so I might get on a aircraft and depart India.
In a prolonged assertion, Taylor mentioned he took cocaine on a visit, with photographs taken to coerce him
It’s not identified what sanctions Taylor (pictured alongside his spouse, Kelly Anne) will now face
‘I felt I had no selection on the time as a result of saying no was clearly not an possibility. All I knew was I needed to get out of there.
‘Once I returned dwelling, the stress of what had taken place severely impacted my psychological and bodily well being. I used to be a multitude. I used to be identified with shingles and prescribed sturdy anti-psychotic remedy – 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 offence and interplay to the ICC.
‘I acknowledge this was too lengthy of a time however I believed I might shield everybody and specifically, my household. I approached the ICC by myself phrases and hoped that if I defined my predicament, my real worry for our security and wellbeing, that they’d perceive the delay.
‘Sadly, they didn’t, however I can’t feign ignorance on this regard. I’ve attended many anti-corruption seminars through the years and we all know that point is of the essence when making studies.
‘I wish to place on document 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. My love for the attractive sport of cricket far outweighs and surpasses any threats which could possibly be thrown my means.
‘On account of approaching the ICC, I attended a number of interviews and engagements and was as trustworthy and clear as I could possibly be throughout their investigations. Inside and out of doors I used to be beating myself up and I nonetheless want I had sought help and recommendation earlier for a mess of causes.
‘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 and solely hope that my story shall be used as a method of encouragement for cricketers to report any approaches early.
‘I’ll admit that the previous two years have been extremely difficult, each personally and professionally and it’s from absolute all-time low that I’m making an attempt to climb out of this mess I made.
‘My household and buddies have been extremely supportive of me and it’s clear to me now that I’ve a a lot larger downside which for a while has wanted addressing.
It took him 4 months to report the incident, which is now being investigated by the ICC
‘And so, I wish to let you understand that on Tuesday the twenty fifth of January I’m checking right into a rehabilitation centre to get clear and to get my life again on observe.
‘I’ve to inform my story now as a result of I do know folks will wish to hear from me. To attempt to perceive what led up to now. However for a lot of weeks I shall be away and making an attempt to get higher.
‘I owe it to myself and to my household to get clear and to place them first. I’ve let a substance take management of me and impair my imaginative and prescient, my morals and my values and it’s time that I prioritise what actually issues.
‘I additionally hope my story evokes somebody who hears it, to get the assistance that they want. I had not realized that coming ahead and speaking would give me a lot aid from the hell I’ve discovered myself in 4 years. Medicine and narcotics don’t discriminate and it took all that I’ve to confess that I’ve an issue.
‘To finish I must let you understand I’m sorry for these I’ve damage. I’m sorry for these I’ve let down.
Taylor has additionally introduced his intention to enter rehab to sort out any substance abuse points
‘I wish to thank my household, my buddies and my supporters for at all times being there. I’ve realized the true which means of loyalty.
‘The best honor that may be bestowed, is to captain and characterize ones [sic] nation and for this, I’m eternally grateful.
‘I am additionally grateful for what this expertise has taught me. I am grateful for my 4 stunning youngsters, my loving and supportive spouse, my well being and the readability I now must wish to be a greater model of myself.’
The ICC are but to verify what sanctions Taylor, who retired from worldwide cricket in September after a 17-year profession, could face.
Their anti-corruption code bans gamers from accepting bribes to affect matches, and says approaches have to be reported ‘with out pointless delay.’