FORMER Zimbabwe captain Brendan Taylor has been banned from cricket and will check into rehab after a shocking match-fixing and cocaine blackmail plot.
The 35-year-old became embroiled in the scandal at the end of 2019 after accepting an £11,000 invitation from a so-called Indian businessman to discuss potential sponsorship for a new T20 tournament in Zimbabwe.
But at the end of the trip after a meal to celebrate the potential deal, things took a dramatic turn for the worse when Taylor accepted the hosts’ offer to join them in taking cocaine.
The following morning they stormed his hotel room with videos of him taking the drug and blackmailed him into agreeing to match-fix.
Taylor took to social media on Monday morning to give his stunning version of events in a lengthy statement – and explain the crippling effect the ordeal has had on his mental and physical health.
He said: “I can’t deny that I was a little wary. But the timing was such that we hadn’t been paid for six 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 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 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 concerned. And with six 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 $15,000 (£11,100) but was told this was now a ‘deposit’ for spot match fixing and that an additional $20,000 (£14,800) 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.”
Taylor represented the Zimbabwe national team 281 times between 2004 and 2021 across all three formats of the game.
His first-class career spanned Zimbabwe, New Zealand, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Pakistan and England, joining Nottinghamshire in 2015.
But his career looks as though it is over following the revelations, with the ICC set to confirm his impending suspension.
Taylor apologised and hopes others can learn from the mistakes he made.
The right-handed batter and part-time spinner continued: “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 – maitriptyline.
“The ‘businessman’ wanted a return on his investment which I could not and would not give.
“It took me four 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, that 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.”
‘I AM SORRY’
Taylor added: “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 the mess I made.
“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 try get my life back on track.
“I also hope my story inspires someone who hears it, to get help that they need. I had not realised 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.”
