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*FULL TEXT: Brendan Taylor Statement On Match-fixing, ICC Ban & Cocaine* *Follow Pindula on WhatsApp for daily new updates* https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va84dngJP21B2nWeyM3v?sn > To my friends, family, supporters and the 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. > And I’ve only recently managed to start sharing my story with close friends and family and receive the love and support I guess I was too ashamed and frightened to seek in the first place. > This may not make for comfortable reading but I would like to make a statement regarding a finding made by the ICC, which is soon to be released. > 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 USD$15 000 to make the journey. > I can’t deny I was a little wary. But the timing was such that we hadn’t been paid for 6 months by Zimbabwe cricket and it was questionable whether Zimbabwe would be able to continue playing in the international arena. > So I made 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. > 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. > I was cornered. And with 6 of these individuals in my hotel room, I was scared for my own safety. I’d fallen for it. I’d willingly walked into a situation that has changed my life forever. > I was handed the USD$15 000 but was told this was now a ‘deposit’ for spot-fixing and that an additional USD$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 what had taken place severely impacted my mental and physical health. I was a mess. I was diagnosed with shingles and prescribed strong antipsychotic medication – amitriptyline. > The ‘businessman’ wanted a return on his investment which I could not and would not give. It took me 4 months to report this offence and interaction to the ICC. > I acknowledge this was too long of a time but I thought I could protect everyone and in particular, my family. > I approached the ICC on my own terms and I hoped that if I explained my predicament, my genuine fear for our safety and wellbeing, they would understand the delay. > Unfortunately, they did not, but I cannot feign ignorance in this regard. I have attended many anti-corruption seminars over the years and we know that time is of the essence when making reports. > 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. > 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 is 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. > I will admit that the past two years have been incredibly challenging, both personally and professionally and it is from absolute rock bottom that I am trying to climb out of this mess! > My family and friends have been incredibly supportive of me and it is clear to me now that I have a much bigger problem that for some time has needed addressing. > And so I would also like to let you know that on Tuesday the 25th of January I am checking into a rehabilitation centre to get clean and to get my life back on track. > I have to tell my story now because I know people will want to hear from me. To try and understand what led to this point. But for many weeks I will be away and trying to get better. > I owe it to myself and to my family to get clean and to put them first. I have let a substance take control of me and impair my vision, my morals and my values and it is time that I prioritise what really matters. > I also hope my story inspires someone who hears it, to get the help that they need. I had not realized that coming forward and talking would give me so much relief from the hell I have found myself in for years. > Drugs and narcotics do not discriminate and it took all that I have to admit that I have a problem. > To end I need to let you know I am sorry for those I have hurt. I am sorry for those I have let down. > I would like to thank my family, my friends and my 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 one’s country and for this, I am eternally grateful. > I am also grateful for what this experience has taught me. I am grateful for my four beautiful children, my loving and supportive wife, my health and the clarity I now have to want to be a better version of myself. > Brendan Taylor *More: Pindula News* _If you found this article useful_ *Please support Pindula by forwarding to friends and groups*
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