Controversial cricketer who made West Indies two-time T20 champions has retired

West Indies middle-order batsman Marlon Samuels has announced his retirement from all formats of cricket. Samuels has been instrumental in helping the West Indies reach the final, both of which have won two T20 World Cups. He scored the most runs in reaching the final both times. However, his career has also been plagued by controversy. He has also been in controversy because of his statements. He was also banned for two years for corruption.

Played his final match in 2018

Cricket West Indies executive Johnny Grave confirmed that Samuels had informed the board of his retirement in June. He played his last match in December 2018. The 39-year-old cricketer played 71 Tests, 207 ODIs and 67 T20I matches for the West Indies. Together in all three formats, he scored more than 11,000 runs and took more than 150 wickets.

Did a memorable performance in the final

Samuels was known for performing well in big matches. He proved it in the 2012 and 2016 T20 World Cups. The West Indies won the title in both the matches due to their explosive performance. He hit 78 off 56 balls against Sri Lanka in Colombo in 2012. At one point the team's score was 32 for two in 10 overs but Samuels' thunderous performance made the team champions. Four years later, in Kolkata, he hit 85 off 66 balls and the West Indies won the title by four wickets.

Samuels has also been in controversy

In addition to the West Indies, Samuels has played in top T20 cricket leagues such as the Indian Premier League (IPL) and Australia's Big Bash League (BBL). He has played 15 matches for various teams in the IPL. However, controversy has also brought it into disrepute. He was convicted by the International Cricket Council (ICC) of taking money and defaming cricket and was banned for two years. He recently made a rude remark about the wife of England star all-rounder Ben Stokes.

The bowling action was also questionable

Marlon Samuels also bowled but his bowling action was questionable. His bowling action in 2015 was considered suspicious by the ICC. Due to which he was away from bowling for a year. In 2014, there was a dispute between the West Indies players and the board over the payment of the rupee, which led to the cancellation of the India tour by then-captain Dwayne Bravo, which was opposed by Samuels.