USA batter Jones handed provisional suspension under ICC anti-corruption code

USA batter Aaron Jones has been provisionally suspended from all forms of cricket after being charged with five breaches of the anti-corruption codes of Cricket West Indies (CWI) and the International Cricket Council (ICC), the global governing body has confirmed.

The charges stem from alleged incidents during the Barbados-based Bim10 league in the 2023/24 season, as well as from international matches. Jones has been given 14 days, starting January 28, to respond to the charges laid against him.

Advertisement

Detailing the allegations under the CWI Code, the ICC said Jones has been charged with: “Breach of Article 2.1.1 of the CWI Code – Fixing, contriving to fix or otherwise influencing improperly, or being a party to an agreement or effort to fix or contrive in any way or otherwise influence improperly, the result, progress, conduct or other aspect of matches in the Bim10 tournament in 2023/24 (or attempting to do so).

“Breach of Article 2.4.2 of the CWI Code – Failing to disclose to Cricket West Indies details of any approaches or invitations to engage in conduct that would amount to a breach of the CWI Code.

“Breach of Article 2.4.4 of the CWI Code – Failing or refusing to cooperate with a reasonable investigation carried out by the Designated Anti-Corruption Official (or his/her designee) in relation to possible offences under the CWI Code.”

Jones has represented the United States in 52 One-Day Internationals and 48 T20 Internationals. At the time of the charges, he was with the USA squad at their Men’s T20 World Cup preparatory camp in Sri Lanka, ahead of the tournament beginning on February 7.

In addition, the ICC has levelled two further charges under its own Anti-Corruption Code. These include: “Breach of Article 2.4.4 of the ICC Code—Failing to disclose to the ICC ACU full details of any approaches or invitations received to engage in Corrupt Conduct under the ICC Code.

“Breach of Article 2.4.7 of the ICC Code – Obstructing the ACU’s investigation into possible Corrupt Conduct by concealing and/or tampering with information that may have been relevant to the investigation, or which may have constituted evidence or led to the discovery of evidence of Corrupt Conduct.”

The ICC also indicated that the matter could widen further in the coming days.

“These charges are part of a wider investigation, which is likely to result in further charges being issued against other participants in due course. The ICC will make no further comment on this matter pending the outcome of the disciplinary proceedings,” the statement concluded.