Lifetime ban on Lou Vincent relaxed

The English and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has lifted the life ban imposed on former New Zealand batter Lou Vincent for corruption. In a statement released on Friday, December 8, the ECB's Cricket Discipline Commission (CDC) announced the revocation of the ban. The decision follows Vincent's appeal for "clemency" to the CDC.

The ECB instituted a lifelong prohibition on Vincent in 2014, preventing him from participating in cricket at any level, entering cricket grounds, or engaging in professional coaching. This action followed Vincent's public admission, expressed in an open letter, where he confessed to being a "cheat." Notably, the New Zealander faced 11 life bans linked to incidents during his tenure at Sussex in 2008 and seven violations committed during the Champions League Twenty20 in 2011.

Gerard Elias, who is representing the CDC, mentioned that the decision to reconsider the ban took into account statements not only from Vincent but also from the ICC (International Cricket Council), New Zealand Cricket (NZC), and the ECB. He further emphasized that "cogent and compelling" reasons were required to amend the ban, a requirement that Vincent met in his appeal.

"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 co-operation with cricket and civil authorities in various parts of the world; and, participation in anti-corruption education programmes for NZC and the ECB. I am satisfied that these factors justify an amelioration of the original sanction at this time," Elias said was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

Meanwhile, Vincent stated that "very fortunate" to be able to return to play cricket after the reduction of his life ban. The 45-year-old expressed gratitude to NZC and the New Zealand Players Association (NZPA), along with his lawyer Chris Morris, for their support and assistance in facilitating his comeback.

"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," Vincent said in an NZC statement.