Former Zimbabwe captain Brendan Taylor stunned the cricketing world on Monday after he revealed that he was facing the prospect of a ban from the International Cricket Council (ICC). 

In a statement released on his official Twitter account, Taylor revealed that in 2019 he visited India to meet a businessman with the idea of launching a T20 competition in Zimbabwe. 

However, he claimed that substance abuse took place during his meeting and later the men he met stormed into his hotel room and threatened to release the video of the same happening unless he indulged in spot-fixing for which he was paid USD$ 15000 and promised more payment in the future. 

Taylor further revealed that he reported the offence to ICC four months later as he wanted to protect his family and hoped cricket’s governing body would understand. 

“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, 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,” said Taylor in his statement. 

Following Taylor’s explosive announcement, Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has reacted and offered his support to Taylor and stressed the importance of raising awareness. 

Ashwin said on Twitter, “Spread the awareness!! Most times the hand dealt to us at the poker table gives us an option to bet or fold!! Its important to fold and leave the table! All strength to Brendan and his family.”

An official announcement from the ICC’s anti-corruption unit is still awaited but the 35-year-old is expected to face a lengthy ban from the game.