The England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has reduced the life ban imposed in June 2014 on former New Zealand cricketer Lou Vincent.
The ECB's Cricket Discipline Commission (CDC) announced on December 8 that the life ban has been reversed. This decision comes after the CDC received "compelling evidence demonstrating the very highest levels of contrition and remorse, and the very best efforts to make amends wherever possible" from Vincent.
Vincent earned 11 life bans nine years ago due to his involvement in match-fixing, prohibiting him from engaging in any form of cricket. He accepted these restrictions and refrained from participating in the sport during that period.
Vincent, now 45, said he was “very fortunate” to be permitted to resume cricket following the removal of the life ban. In a statement released by NZC, he acknowledged making a grave mistake many years ago, expressing deep regret that will stay with him for the rest of his life. He also conveyed sincere apologies for the harm he caused.
He concluded his cricket career in New Zealand in 2007 and subsequently started a new profession as a builder in Raglan, a well-known surfing destination in New Zealand's Waikato region, in the years following his ban. He now looks forward to attending cricket matches with his family, a privilege that was denied to him during his life sentence.
“Being able to return to the cricket environment means the world to me and I feel very fortunate to again have that opportunity”, Vincent said.
The CEO of NZPA Heath Mills said that Vincent had played a crucial role in educating players across all sports about the perils of match-fixing, a contribution acknowledged by the CDC.
"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," Mills said.
"I'm pleased the authorities have recognised his contribution to the fight against match-fixing and, also, his ongoing efforts to educate players and administrators around the world on anti-corruption”, he added.
(Powered by AI, Inputs by India Today)
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