Banned NZ Cricketer Vincent Admits Matchfixing in South Africa

Former New Zealand cricketer, Lou Vincent, who was recently banned for life from playing or coaching the game, has admitted that some of the many times he undertook matchfixing crimes took place in South Africa

Vincent pleaded guilty to 18 breaches of regulation , including a Twenty20 match in 2008, two fixtures in 2011 and a Sussex vs Kent CB40 match. He also admitted to fixing while playing in the Indian Cricket League, the 2012 T20 Champions League that was played in South Africa and other events.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) banned Vincent for life for breaching its anti-corruption rules, meaning that he can never play, coach or participate in any form of cricket that is recognized by the ECB, the ICC or any other National Cricket Federation.

Click here to check out our sports betting sites

The 35 year old, who became the first Kiwi in the any sport to receive a life ban, put out a heartfelt statement at the end of the hearing, admitting to actions and asking for forgiveness.

“My name is Lou Vincent and I am a cheat,” he said. “I have abused my position as a professional sportsman on a number of occasions by choosing to accept money through fixing. I have lived with this dark secret for many years, but just months ago I reached the point where I decided I had to come forward and tell the truth.”

It’s a truth that has rightly caused uproar and controversy in New Zealand and around the world,” he continued. “I have shamed my country. I have shamed my sport. I have shamed those close to me. For that I am not proud.”

Vincent has always dreamed of coaching kids in cricket, but the ban means that he will not be allowed to even enter a ground while a match is being played. He has said that he will use his experience to “convince others not to be tempted by wrongdoing.”

The ECB called this a “complex case” which crossed several cricketing jurisdictions and required close collaboration and intelligence sharing between other anti-corruption bodies.