Former Zimbabwe cricket captain Brendan Taylor has admitted to taking cocaine and claims he was approached for spot fixing.
As a result, he says he is set to be given a multi-year ban from the sport.
He posted a lengthy statement onTwitter explaining the ordeal, which he said has had a profound effect on his mental health.
“To my friends, family, supporters and wider public. I've been carrying a burden for over 2 years now that has sadly taken me to some very dark places and had a profound effect on my mental health,” he began.
“In late October 2019, I was approached by an Indian businessman requesting that I attend India to discuss sponsorships and the potential launch of a T20 competition in Zimbabwe and was advised that I would be paid $15,000 to make the journey.
“The discussions took place, as he had said, and on our last night in the hotel, the businessman and his colleagues took me for a celebratory dinner.
“We had drinks and during the course of the evening they openly offered me cocaine, which they themselves engaged in, and I foolishly took the bait. I've gone over it a million times since and still feel sick to my stomach reliving that night and how they played me.”
Having allegedly not been paid by Zimbabwe cricket for six months at the time, Taylor, who retired from international cricket last September, questioned whether his country would be able to continue playing.
After the former Nottinghamshire player opted to take the illegal substance, what happened next really made the athlete understand the severity of the situation he found himself in.
“The following morning, the same men stormed into my hotel room and showed me a video taken of me the night before doing cocaine and told me that if I did not spot fix at international matches for them, the video would be released to the public," he went on.
“I was cornered. And with 6 of these individuals in my hotel room, I was scared for toy own safety. I'd fallen for it. I'd willingly walked into a situation that has changed my life forever.
“I was handed the $15,000 but was told this was now a 'deposit' for spot fixing and that an additional $20,000 would be paid once the "job" was complete.
“I took the money so I could get on a plane and leave India. I felt I had no choice at the time because saying no was clearly not an option. All I knew was I had to get out of there.
“When I returned home, the stress of that had taken place severely impacted my mental and physical health. I was a mess. I was diagnosed with shingles and prescribed strong anti-psychotic medication - amitriptyline.”
The first Zimbabwean batsman to hit back-to-back One-Day International centuries, Taylor insists he has never been involved in match fixing, before explaining the ban he says the ICC are set to impose.
“I would like to place on record that I have never been involved in any form of match fixing. I may be many things but I am not a cheat. My love for the beautiful game of cricket far outweighs and surpasses any threats which could be thrown my way," Taylor continued.
“As a result of approaching the ICC I attended multiple interviews and engagements and was as honest and transparent as I could be during their investigations. Inside and outside I was beating myself up and I still wish I had sought support and advice earlier for a multitude of reasons.
“That being said, the ICC are taking the decision to impose a multi-year ban on my international cricketing career. I humbly accept this decision and only hope that my story will be used as a means of encouragement for cricketers to report any approaches early.”
Although the Zimbabwe legend no longer represents his country, he was still eligible for franchise cricket.
However, with the ban looming and now 35 years of age, it appears likely that Taylor’s cricket career has now come to an end.
As his statement drew to a close, the cricketer claimed he will visit a rehab facility and thanked those who supported him throughout his career.
“To end I need to let you know l am sorry for those I have hurt. I am sorry for those I have let down," he said.
“I would like to thank my family, my friends and you supporters for always being there. I have learnt the true meaning of loyalty.
“The greatest honour that can be bestowed, is to captain and represent ones country and for this, I am eternally grateful.”
