Samuels can play depending on probe status - ICC

Marlon Samuels is available for selection to the West Indies squad for the World Cup, though his participation would depend on the results of the investigation he is currently facing, the ICC has said. West Indies are to announce their squad later today.

Brian Murgatroyd, the ICC spokesman, told reporters in Nagpur: "Marlon Samuels is available to be selected for the ICC Cricket World Cup at this stage, although obviously that situation may alter depending on the results of the ongoing investigation being carried out by the Anti-Corruption and Security Unit."

The Nagpur police have claimed that Samuels passed on team information to Mukesh Kochar, an alleged bookie, ahead of West Indies' one-day match against India in that city last month.

A four-member anti-corruption unit (ACU) of the ICC arrived in Nagpur on February 12 to conduct a probe into the allegations. The ACU headed by N S Virk, its regional security manager, met SPS Yadav, Nagpur's Police Commissioner, who had contacted the Indian board (BCCI) with the initial details.

Samuels admitted he has known Kochar for the past six years but did not believe he was a bookmaker. Kochar told the Indian media he was not a bookie and that Samuels was like "a son" to him.