Lou Vincent’s life ban revised; can return to domestic cricket

Lou Vincent was handed 11 life-bans for admitting to match-fixing for Sussex and 2011 Champions League T20.

Former New Zealand cricketer Lou Vincent’s life ban has been revised by the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB). Vincent earned 11 life bans for his involvement in match-fixing nine years ago, which barred him from participating in cricket in any manner. Vincent had accepted the restrictions and stayed away at the time.

However, in August 2023, Vincent applied for the bans to be reversed and it was approved by Gerald Elias CBE KC on behalf of ECB's Cricket Discipline Commission (CDC). This now enables Vincent to participate and be involved in cricket matches at or below the level of domestic cricket.

“This decision was reached following careful consideration of the specific circumstances of Mr Vincent’s case and the supporting evidence and representations from several major cricket stakeholders including the International Cricket Council, New Zealand Cricket the England and Wales Cricket Board, and a host of others,” ECB said in a statement.

"In particular, this decision was taken in the light of Mr Vincent's conduct following his sanction. Namely: full and frank admissions and the fullest disclosures; immediate and total cooperation with cricket and civil authorities in various parts of the world; and, participation in anti-corruption education programs for NZC and the ECB. I am satisfied that these factors justify an amelioration of the original sanction at this time,” Elias stated.

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Vincent thanked NZC and the New Zealand Players Association (NZPA), as well as his lawyer Chris Morris, for providing support and paving the way for his return.

"I made a terrible mistake many years ago, which I'll deeply regret for the rest of my life, and I remain very sorry for the harm I caused. Being able to return to the cricket environment means the world to me and I feel very fortunate to again have that opportunity,” 45-year-old Vincent said in a statement issued by NZC.

Heath Mills, the NZPA CEO, said Vincent had played a big hand in educating players in all sports about the evils of match-fixing, something the CDC had recognized.

"The penalties have been particularly hard on Lou and he's shown a lot of humility in owning his mistakes and setting about making amends. I'm pleased the authorities have recognized his contribution to the fight against match-fixing and, also, his ongoing efforts to educate players and administrators around the world on anti-corruption,” Mills said.

(ANI/ECB inputs)