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The life ban that was placed on former New Zealand
cricket player Lou Vincent in June 2014 has been modified by the England &
Wales Cricket Board (ECB). For his part in match-fixing, Vincent was given
eleven lifetime bans nine years ago, which prevented him from playing cricket
in any way. Back then, Vincent had taken the consequences and avoided the
situation.
However, Vincent successfully petitioned to have the
bans lifted in August 2023, and Elias CBE KC, acting on behalf of the Cricket
Discipline Commission (CDC) of the ECB, granted his request. Vincent is now
allowed to take part in and be involved in cricket matches at or below the
domestic cricket level, effective immediately.
According to an official release from ECB, revision of
such a ban needs the most compelling of cases for it to be considered. It
further states: “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 was specifically made in light of
Vincent’s actions after receiving his sanction, which included participation in
anti-corruption education initiatives run by the ECB and New Zealand Cricket,
immediate and complete cooperation with civil authorities worldwide, and candid
admissions and full disclosures.