ECB Lifts Lou Vincent's Lifetime Ban

England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has lifted a lifetime ban imposed on former New Zealand cricketer Lou Vincent. The batter was banned for a lifetime in June 2014 after he was found guilty in a match-fixing incident and wasn’t allowed to participate in cricket in any capacity.

ECB’s Cricket Discipline Commission (CDC) has lifted the ban on Lou Vincent with immediate effect. The former Kiwi cricketers can now take part in matches at or below the level of domestic cricket. This comes after the batter demanded for bans to be lifted in August 2023.

ECB released the official statement and stated: “The factors to be taken into account include those in Article 6.8.2 of the ECB Anti-Corruption Code. In this regard, Mr Vincent’s application is supported by the most powerful and compelling evidence demonstrating the very highest levels of contrition and remorse and the very best efforts to make amends wherever possible.”

The decision to reverse Lou Vincent’s lifetime ban from cricket was taken keeping in mind his actions after the ban. He cooperated with cricket and civil authorities in various parts of the world and also participated in anti-corruption education programs for New Zealand Cricket and the ECB.

Lou Vincent was involved in match-fixing during his time at Sussex in 2008. He also committed seven offences at the 2011 Champions League Twenty20 following which he was handed a ban. He, however, at that time had accepted all the sanctions against him.

Being able to return to the cricket environment means the world to me – Lou Vincent

Lou Vincent also opened up about the lifetime ban being lifted. He said that he’s very fortunate and returning to the cricket environment means a lot to him. He stated:

“Very fortunate to be able to return to cricket. 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.”

Lou Vincent played 23 Tests for New Zealand and scored 1332 runs at an average of 34.15 to go with three centuries and 9 half-centuries. He also played 102 ODIs and scored 2413 runs to go with 3 tons and 11 half-centuries.