"My name is Lou Vincent and I am a cheat" : Lou Vincent [Update Post#57]

[dhump]

Lou Vincent has entered the sporting hall of infamy, becoming the first New Zealand professional sportsman to receive a life ban.

The punishment will tonight be meted out by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), after Vincent admitted to 14 counts of match-fixing while playing for Lancashire and Sussex during county cricket's limited overs competitions.

Vincent has also confessed to fixing across in the Indian Cricket League, the 2012 T20 Champions League that was played in South Africa, and was recently banned for three years by Bangladesh cricket for not reporting an approach while playing for the Dhaka Gladiators in that country's T20 franchise competition.

Vincent, 35, has released a lengthy, from-the-heart statement in which he takes full responsibility for his actions.

"My name is Lou Vincent and I am a cheat," the statement starts.

"I have abused my position as a professional sportsman on a number of occasions by choosing to accept money through fixing.

"I have lived with this dark secret for many years, but just months ago I reached the point where I decided I had to come forward and tell the truth.

"It's a truth that has rightly caused uproar and controversy in New Zealand and around the world.

"I have shamed my country. I have shamed my sport. I have shamed those close to me. For that I am not proud."

Vincent was one of three former New Zealand internationals that in December the Herald revealed were being investigated by the International Cricket Council's anti-corruption unit. Chris Cairns and Daryl Tuffey have consistently denied any wrongdoing.

The terms of the ban mean Vincent will not be allowed to earn a living from the sport and will not, in fact, be permitted to enter a ground while a match is being played.

His dream of one day coaching kids has been shattered.

"It is entirely my fault that I will never be able to stand in front of a game again. It is entirely my fault that I will not be able to apply my skills in a positive way to help future cricketers," Vincent said.

"But it is entirely possible that I can use this moment to convince others not to be tempted by wrongdoing."

Vincent said it was up to the players themselves to police the game "because they are the ones that will ultimately lose out if they allow themselves to be used as pawns to make money.

"No one should ever be put in that position. And no one should ever allow themselves to forget what sport is about and let money rule their decisions."

Vincent acknowledged his vulnerabilities but said his battles with depression gave him zero excuses for his actions. He said he was always aware of the difference between right and wrong.

"Today is the day I offer my deepest apologies to the public and the cricketing world, to the loyal fans, to the dedicated coaches, staff and all players past and present."

Vincent today begins the rest of his life; a life that for the first time does not and will not involve cricket in any way except memories.

Read the full statement from Lou Vincent:

My name is Lou Vincent and I am a cheat.

I have abused my position as a professional sportsman on a number of occasions by choosing to accept money through fixing.

I have lived with this dark secret for many years, but just months ago I reached the point where I decided I had to come forward and tell the truth.

It's a truth that has rightly caused uproar and controversy in New Zealand and around the world.

I have shamed my country. I have shamed my sport. I have shamed those close to me. For that I am not proud.

I lost faith in myself and the game. I abused the game I love. I had to put things right.

Speaking out. Exposing the truth. Laying bare the things I have done wrong is the only way I can find to begin to put things right.

The time has come for me to now face them like a man and accept the consequences, whatever they may be.

I could not live with my wrongdoing any longer, and after meeting my future wife Susie, after learning what unconditional love really is, I felt strong enough to tell her what I'd done, and she has helped me take the painful steps to telling my parents, my wider family, and then the authorities.

I am proud of those I love. Especially my immediate family and friends. Their strength, support and forgiveness has enabled me to address some deep and uncomfortable issues in my life.

I can finally look my children in eyes and tell them that honesty is the best policy, even if it feels like the hardest thing to do at times.

I now believe in myself as a person again and do not wake up every morning hating myself.

Today is the day I offer my deepest apologies to the public and the cricketing world, to the loyal fans, to the dedicated coaches, staff and all players past and present.

I apologise to the and thank the ACSU [Anti-Corruption and Security Unit] for their help and support, which is out there for all players and it has helped me a great deal. Chris Morris and his legal team, and all associations that have handled this sensitive situation with professionalism and respect.

The people who know me know I am vulnerable. But they also know I am not stupid and that I know what is right and what is wrong.

I do suffer from depression but it is absolutely no reason or excuse for all that I have done wrong.

I used to think mistakes were the actions of bad people. I now know even good people can make the worst of mistakes. My actions, I will regret for the rest of my life.

For sport to prosper, it is up to the players to police the game, because they are the ones that will ultimately lose out if they allow themselves to be used as pawns to make money.

No one should ever be put in that position. And no one should ever allow themselves to forget what sport is about and let money rule their decisions.

The decisions I made were wrong. Players must be better than that. Above reproach. For the fans. For the sport.

For the first time in a very long time I feel positive about the future because I am finally becoming the man I wanted to be. I have to face up to my wrongs to make them right.

I have kept my head down for too long now. This is my time to man up to my mistakes and today I can stand with a better conscience because I know I'm doing the right thing.

It is entirely my fault that I will never be able to stand in front of a game again. It is entirely my fault that I will not be able to apply my skills in a positive way to help future cricketers.

But it is entirely possible that I can use this moment to convince others not to be tempted by wrongdoing. To do the right thing for themselves, for their families and friends, and for the sport they love.

I accept my punishment and I thank you for [reading] my statement.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11285595

 

[DHONI183]

"My name is Lou Vincent and I am a cheat" : Lou Vincent

As [MENTION=9]Saj[/MENTION] bhai tweeted today.....

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en-gb"><p>No respect at all for Lou Vincent for cheating but lots of respect for him for his confession & for not blaming anyone but himself <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cricket?src=hash">#Cricket</a></p>— Saj Sadiq [MENTION=9]Saj[/MENTION]_PakPassion) <a href="https://twitter.com/Saj_PakPassion/statuses/483873126804369408">July 1, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

I firmly agree with the sentiment expressed in the above tweet. I can´t help but admire Lou Vincent for being so bold about his deeds and to have spoken about himself such harsh words and the brutal truth. One must appreciate this move by him, without a doubt. I hope that many learn the lesson to not to indulge such shameful activities again. This of course doesn´t quite make up for his crime though.

He said the following words about himself in February 2008 when the news came out of him suffering from depression......

"For as long as I can remember I've been riddled with self-doubt, I've had no self-belief, and I've just been hating the guy I've seen in the mirror. I remember so many days that should have been great days when I've gone home, slumped over a chair and thought `I just hate this and I hate myself'."

Some clear hints there that are so easy to interpret now that everything is out.

 

[saiyan0312]

Man now that has to be one of the hardest things to do in the world. To come out clean and to come out open blaming yourself and telling others that they should not make the mistakes they once made. I agree with Saj.

This must have been eating him for quite some time. I wish him a good luck in his future as i feel that he will try his best to stop match fixing. I will be following his life after the statement with interest. some of our spot fixers can learn from him.

 

[Cryin Out Loud]

I admire his courage and wish him good luck.

 

[Sakss]

First off all respect for coming out in the open and admitting to the wrong. I think there's more drama to come regarding this fixing

 

[lilFlip]

Confessing and coming out requires a lot of courage.

Man has put his heart out.

But I am sure he will be judged ruthlessly. #empathy

 

[Gigii]

Well he isn't a cheat. That's someone who breaks the rules to win a match.

Vincent is a fraud and a sell out.

Just think it's important to make that distinction.

 

[NZcricketfan]

Good if you match fix or spot fix you should be banned for life. Does not matter how good of a player you are. Same rules for everyone. I wish more people around here shared the same ideology when it come to certain players...

 

[Electron]

This sounds like genuine remorse. Also, its great on NZ board's part that they didn't come out defending the thug, pointing fingers at others. Lessons to be learnt for all.

 

[adit_sh]

Hatsoff to Vincent to admit the guilt. I dare say this about any one from subcontinent to accept guilt....has it happened ever in history?

Cronje, Vincent, Clinton.....

 

[Convict]

It's easy to say that with Vincent isn't it?! I highly doubt you'd have the same sentiments for Williamson/Southee/McCullum etc.

Yep.
We all know that the ICC and the boards will protect high profile people in high profile games/leagues if they can.

I also believe there are probably players on performance enhancing drugs.

And it's not a cricket problem. All this cheating is a professional sports problem.

 

[world cup captain]

He has earned some respect from me after confessing. Takes a big heart to do so.

 

[Monsee]

But But But, only Pakistanis are the cheats...NZ players cannot fix even in their dreams?

I guess now NZ supporters will realise no one is immune to this cancer of corruption...now if Tuffy is found to be guilty, it will be a million laughs with him involved in that beer commercial and Pak fixing references. Can't wait

 

[mosh101]

Vincent should not go down alone ! He should name and shame all involved in this !

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

Vincent should not go down alone ! He should name and shame all involved in this !

Considering he's played in English T20 competitions and the IPL that could do some damage. Might be better to just get him to issue a heroic apology and put a lid on the rest.

 

[Canistani Hero]

Well he isn't a cheat. That's someone who breaks the rules to win a match.

Vincent is a fraud and a sell out.

Just think it's important to make that distinction.

Couldn't have said it better

 

[Saj]

Shocking really.

Don't know what's real and what's not real at the moment in cricket and what's been real and what hasn't been over the years!

 

[leatherface58]

NZCB is smart enough to not let it's young 'uns get caught. Maybe they should be joining forces with the big three rather than Pakistan.

 

[Jang]

imagine if Salman Butt had this courage

 

[giri26]

Shocking news....It seems like the nightmare will never end...admire him for his courage though. Not many people have the courage to come out and accept the mistake and take full blame for their mistake.

 

[Monsee]

NZCB is smart enough to not let it's young 'uns get caught. Maybe they should be joining forces with the big three rather than Pakistan.

I am sure Vincent approves of that as well...look how much adulation, fame, and respect it has gotten him while playing in England and Indian leagues

 

[leatherface58]

I am sure Vincent approves of that as well...look how much adulation, fame, and respect it has gotten him while playing in England and Indian leagues

Why are you taking shots at the kiwis? I am an Indian according to you. Why don't you take shots at Indian players or the team?

 

[iafzal]

Shocking but take a lot of courage to admit it the way he did. I cannot see many do it.

I just hope he does the full job now and name all the others involved as well

 

[thivaakar]

Subcontinent players won't admit anything till they get caught. It takes a man to come out like this and admit it............Still a fraud though.

 

[Khaseer]

better than our guys at least

 

[Mamoon]

Looks like he achieved what he wanted - come out as brave.

This looks like another sly tactic to me, and a last desperate attempt to save his non existent dignity. Garbage cricketer with a garbage attitude and has come up with these garbage statements. It's a day to rejoice because we won't hear from him again. Permanently exiled from the cricket universe.

 

[Laparwah]

He has rightfully been banned for life. The same rule should reply to Amir and Asif, there must be zero tolerance to cheating and fixing off all kinds. Just because Amir is more talented does not make him exempt.

 

[DHONI183]

"My name is Lou Vincent and I am a cheat" : Lou Vincent

Looks like he achieved what he wanted - come out as brave.

This looks like another sly tactic to me, and a last desperate attempt to save his non existent dignity. Garbage cricketer with a garbage attitude and has come up with these garbage statements. It's a day to rejoice because we won't hear from him again. Permanently exiled from the cricket universe.

No. He has just done what most of the match-fixers couldn´t. He has come out open about his deeds and has blamed himself for everything instead of shifting blames or offering any defence whatsoever for what he did. That however doesn´t make up for what he did of course.

 

[Saqs]

Shocking really.

Don't know what's real and what's not real at the moment in cricket and what's been real and what hasn't been over the years!

Yeap, I'm pretty disillusioned about the entire sport.

Does anybody know the exact matches he took money for? Would be interesting to see some highlights and scorecards of it.

 

[Mamoon]

Sorry but I don't buy it, one of the oldest trick in the book for which many people fall.

 

[godzilla]

I think he's getting far too much adulation for his confession, what's the difference between his and amir's? Yet amir was rightly vilified, it seems from the press Lou is almost being put on a pedestal.

And why is there no prospect of jail time for him when there was for Westfield for doing the same thing (not to mention the trio), what's the differences in their cases?

 

[trogger]

if he had admitted to this when he still had a lot to lose it might mean something but reality is he's a washed up nobody who figured he was going to get exposed soon enough anyway so he's going to try and parlay this **** weak confession into some sort of redemption story and maybe even a speaking career down the track.

This scumbag should be going to prison for what he did.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

He has rightfully been banned for life. The same rule should reply to Amir and Asif, there must be zero tolerance to cheating and fixing off all kinds. Just because Amir is more talented does not make him exempt.

A 35 year old banned for life? What a loss to the game.

 

[godzilla]

if he had admitted to this when he still had a lot to lose it might mean something but reality is he's a washed up nobody who figured he was going to get exposed soon enough anyway so he's going to try and parlay this **** weak confession into some sort of redemption story and maybe even a speaking career down the track.

This scumbag should be going to prison for what he did.

Completely agree.

 

[dhump]

Disgraced cricketer Lou Vincent knows he was lucky to escape being jailed for match-fixing, and says he feels liberated by his confession.

The former New Zealand opener spoke to Newstalk ZB after being banned from cricket for life by the England and Wales Cricket Board, for admitting to fixing matches in the UK. He didn't name any other players allegedly involved, for legal reasons, referring only to one as ''my hero''.

''Players have gone to jail for this in the UK, and I had no idea what I was getting myself into. Even though I was putting myself out there to perhaps be locked up, as a human being I felt completely and utterly free for the first time in a long time,'' he said.

Vincent insisted there was no plea bargain when he told all to anti-corruption investigators in a sworn statement, in which he claimed his cricketing hero first persuaded him to fix in the now-defunct Indian Cricket League in 2008.

He was under no obligation to confess, but said he did it for peace of mind.

''Yes I could have kept quiet but I would have lived the rest of my life looking behind me and going 'when's that phone call going to come again', and am I going to be pestered again by the authorities.

''It's something I'll have to live with for the rest of my life. But I also know that by putting my hand up and telling the truth, it will be an eye opening experience for people to understand what's going on out there.''

Vincent had hoped to set up the Lou Vincent Cricket Academy on his return to Auckland with his English fiancee Susie Markham, but is now banned from all involvement in the game. He lives at Kaukapakapa and is employed as a part-time builder.

''In 20-30 years time when my kids have children and they have young kids that want to play cricket. I can't take them to a Black Caps game in 30 years' time, I can't coach, I can't offer my skills as a cricketer. That's it, I've got to completely sever the past.''

Vincent has two daughters from his first marriage to Elly Riley, who also gave evidence to anti-corruption investigators of Vincent accepting money and being led astray by his ''hero''.

Vincent said he initially rebuffed his first approach to fix matches at the ICL.

A man claiming he was offering a gear sponsorship deal called Vincent to his hotel room. Instead Vincent was offered ''a present'' in the form of a prostitute who he initially thought was the man's wife.

''That's when the penny dropped that this is starting to look a bit dodgy. I declined, then he handed over a big wad of cash, US$15,000 and said this is down payment for our sponsorship, we will sponsor you for life.''

He said he went to the room of his New Zealand agent, and said the approach was reported to the relevant authorities. He then went to see a team-mate, his ''hero''.

''There was this eerie silence then a deep breath. I always remember the face looking over me saying 'that's a good cover because now you're working for me'. That's when my life changed.

''I couldn't say no, this guy who's my hero who took me under his wing. He was a dear friend and I was so empowered by his presence and aura of a legend who I'd had the honour of playing cricket with. Now it's 'yes, sir'.''

That meeting happened with four games left for his team in the ICL. Vincent said he was given clear instructions and the fix was always the same, as an opener he would face 20-25 balls, score 10-15 runs then get out.

Then one night he got it wrong, as he told TV3's Third Degree.

''That was a horrendous night really. I was on 10 or 15 off 20-odd balls and it was time to get out. The person I was working for was sitting on the sideline. Against the left-arm spinner, I danced down the wicket to try and miss it and the ball hit something funny in the footmarks and it ended up hitting the lower middle part of the bat and going over the bowler's head and the fielder fumbled it over for six.

''I could tell straight away that I'd done wrong. I got the phone call to visit the person I was working for. I walked into the room and there were three of us in there. He sat me down and walked away and grabbed his cricket bat and I'm surprised he didn't follow through and hit me. He stopped the bat above his head, walking towards me with this killer look in his eyes, I thought 'this is pretty serious'.''

Vincent said he was promised US$50,000 per game for the last four ICL games, but he never saw a cent.

He continued on to English county cricket and the fixing continued, for which he was later banned.

Asked why he carried on doing it, he said: ''I felt greedy for the first time in my life. I had a chip on my shoulder with my career. I left New Zealand a bit heartbroken and angry.

''All of a sudden I thought 'I'm going to start making some really big money now, stuff the world.''

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/cricket/10225712/No-jail-just-liberation-for-Lou-Vincent

 

[tahir_dj]

Ahh 'The Hero' wonder who could that be

 

[giri26]

if he had admitted to this when he still had a lot to lose it might mean something but reality is he's a washed up nobody who figured he was going to get exposed soon enough anyway so he's going to try and parlay this **** weak confession into some sort of redemption story and maybe even a speaking career down the track.

This scumbag should be going to prison for what he did.

Completely disagree....A cricketer most often earns his income by being involved in cricket. Most of the time. His image has been tarnished now and he is 35, could have played in T20 leagues for few more years. Could have been in Sky sports panel....Could have ended up as administrator in NZ cricket board. He could have set up academy etc....But all that is gone. Even when he tries to go to a different job, people will still know that he is a cheat. It is not easy for anyone to come out in open..He could have just thought, let me just keep quiet and taken a chance but he came out in open. He needs to punished and he has been but I still respect him to come out in open an admit it.

 

[Stewie]

I have been wondering the same thing. I know Chris Cairns has been in the news a lot for the wrong reasons, so to me he is the automatic suspect. He did/does have a huge cult following in NZ, was a big super star for them in an era when quite a few of their star players had retired and did play a role in helping them win Champions Trophy.

 

[iafzal]

Not many really good players were there in ICL besides Cairns, some Pakistani players and couple of English players.

Doubt any Pak player was his mentor so that leaves Cairns and those English players.

 

[giri26]

Not many really good players were there in ICL besides Cairns, some Pakistani players and couple of English players.

Doubt any Pak player was his mentor so that leaves Cairns and those English players.

Nathan Astle, Chris Cairns, Chris Harris and Craig McMillan played in ICL...All four of them are good NZ players...Chris Harris though did not play too long after Vincent's debut though for NZ...

 

[the Great Khan]

very brave confession. Very brave and as Muslim we believe in redemption. Everyone deserves a second chance.

However if he were a Pakistani in england, he would be going to jail. Like amir and co. Poor naïve little kiwi. WHile its conniving clever Pakistanis. Racism alive and well.

Also everyone fails to speak about the elephant in the room. India and its gambling industry!

 

[Electron]

very brave confession. Very brave and as Muslim we believe in redemption. Everyone deserves a second chance.

However if he were a Pakistani in england, he would be going to jail. Like amir and co. Poor naïve little kiwi. WHile its conniving clever Pakistanis. Racism alive and well.

Also everyone fails to speak about the elephant in the room. India and its gambling industry!

On the contrary, everyone knows and talks about Indian gambling industry.

 

[fawad_wellwisher]

There is no way of knowing what's in his heart but kudos for him for admitting his wrong doings. We all mistakes in our lives, some more so than the others but the first step towards recovery is admitting you made a wrong judgement call and then taking steps at correcting your behaviour. Unfortunately some people cannot get past step 1.

It is refreshing to see him not following in the footsteps of the 'fake it till you make it' crowd.

 

[Monsee]

On the contrary, everyone knows and talks about Indian gambling industry.

As opposed to not talking about something that is the root of all evils regarding match fixing; where ever there has been talk of match fixing, an Indian bookie has been known to be involved?

Even in Soccer WC, they are investigating Cameroon's team for their loss against another team and it is based on a banned bookie's pre-match prediction of the result, whose middle name is 'Raj'...wonder where he is from!

 

[Random Aussie]

Life ban and an apology for a washed up cricketer. Should be able to make a nice little career for himself writing a book and appearing on TV. I dont see anything noble about this at all, same as Mohammed Amir he has apologised ONLY because it was in his best interests to do so.

 

[Savak]

Life ban and an apology for a washed up cricketer. Should be able to make a nice little career for himself writing a book and appearing on TV. I dont see anything noble about this at all, same as Mohammed Amir he has apologised ONLY because it was in his best interests to do so.

If you look at it that way then any apology will be viewed the same. These people are in a no win situation. Apologize or not apologize they will still get crucified.

 

[Random Aussie]

If you look at it that way then any apology will be viewed the same. These people are in a no win situation. Apologize or not apologize they will still get crucified.

They are in the same situation, they all apologise when they get caught. Because they are really apologising for being caught, not for what they actually did.

 

[Convict]

If you look at it that way then any apology will be viewed the same. These people are in a no win situation. Apologize or not apologize they will still get crucified.

For all this talk about how noble it is or what a moral stand he did only fess up when the caught him.

It beats people trying to squirm their way out but I can only respect someone for owning up to mistakes if they do it when they could have got away with it.

 

[Savak]

For all this talk about how noble it is or what a moral stand he did only fess up when the caught him.

It beats people trying to squirm their way out but I can only respect someone for owning up to mistakes if they do it when they could have got away with it.

They are in the same situation, they all apologise when they get caught. Because they are really apologising for being caught, not for what they actually did.

Why would someone apologize if they can get away with it? They are able to make more money on the side then they can potentially make in their honest playing lives.

 

[Convict]

Why would someone apologize if they can get away with it? They are able to make more money on the side then they can potentially make in their honest playing lives.

Exactly why someone who would come out with it is worthy of respect.

 

[OZGOD]

If you look at it that way then any apology will be viewed the same. These people are in a no win situation. Apologize or not apologize they will still get crucified.

They deserve to get crucified. There shouldn't be an easy way out if you did the wrong thing and particularly if they waited till they were about to get caught before owning up. They can be rehabilitated and forgiven later, after they have paid their penance.

They are in the same situation, they all apologise when they get caught. Because they are really apologising for being caught, not for what they actually did.

For all this talk about how noble it is or what a moral stand he did only fess up when the caught him.

It beats people trying to squirm their way out but I can only respect someone for owning up to mistakes if they do it when they could have got away with it.

Totally agree. The net was closing in so he decided to come clean. He picked the lesser of two evils.

 

[Saqs]

NZCPA chief coming put saying the punishment is too harsh and will deter future match fixers from coming forward.



How about - the punishment is so harsh that it will stop future match fixers from actually fixing?!

 

[Savak]

They deserve to get crucified. There shouldn't be an easy way out if you did the wrong thing and particularly if they waited till they were about to get caught before owning up. They can be rehabilitated and forgiven later, after they have paid their penance.

Totally agree. The net was closing in so he decided to come clean. He picked the lesser of two evils.

Such an attitude only compels people against admitting their guilt. People at the end of the day always act in their self interest on their planet one way or the other, it cant be held against them.

 

[Vitaly]

In-depth Interview with Lou Vincent

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/oE7F2OU7Ktw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[Convict]

NZCPA chief coming put saying the punishment is too harsh and will deter future match fixers from coming forward.



How about - the punishment is so harsh that it will stop future match fixers from actually fixing?!

As if any fixer has come forward anyway.

 

[GLORY OF '92]

Indian lawyer on cricket mission

A lawyer for the former commissioner of the Indian Premier League has been in New Zealand gathering evidence related to the ongoing match-fixing investigation.

Rajesh Vyakarnam, a sports and media law specialist based in Dubai who acts for former IPL supremo Lalit Modi, visited in the past fortnight.

Mr Modi's involvement in the investigation adds another strand to an already complex web involving the International Cricket Council's anti-corruption unit, the Metropolitan Police and the three Kiwi cricketers under investigation - Lou Vincent, Daryl Tuffey and Chris Cairns.

Vincent recently received 11 life bans for his role in match-fixing in English county cricket's limited overs competitions. Cairns and Tuffey have consistently denied any wrongdoing.

Cairns won a libel case against Mr Modi in the High Court of London in 2010. Mr Modi had made a series of tweets suggesting Cairns' departure from the short-lived Indian Cricket League - he was captain of the Chandigarh Lions - was due to fixing. The official reason was Cairns was removed for failing to disclose an injury.

Mr Modi is likely seeking redress for that verdict, either through a setting aside of the libel trial, or through civil proceedings essentially challenging the outcome of the 2010 trial.

Mr Vyakarnam said he could not comment on the aim of his visit, "save as to say proceedings are not imminent", nor even a certainty to happen. "Mr Modi is monitoring matters, and will allow any ongoing investigations [to] run their full course."

The ICC confirmed that Vincent, Cairns and Tuffey were under investigation last December. While Vincent's sorry tale was concluded this month after he admitted fixing matches across three continents and many competitions, offering anti-corruption officers their richest source of information to date, the fate of Cairns and Tuffey remains unknown.

Cairns was interviewed by Met Police in New Zealand and flew to London in May for further interviews. On his return, a defiant Cairns lashed out at his accusers, including Vincent and his ex-wife Elly Riley, and New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum, accusing them of "despicable lies".

"Each and every allegation against me, that I have cheated at cricket or attempted to induce others to cheat at cricket, is false," Cairns said.

The Met Police have concluded their investigation, which has been handed to the Crown Prosecution Service. They are expected to decide by September whether Cairns will face charges.

The ICC and ECB anti-corruption units have indicated they will not do anything until the Met Police investigation has been resolved.

http://m.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11295871

 

[Strike Rate]

Vincent claims Cairns ordered him to fix matches, Mongia & Daryl Tuffey were also involved in fixing

Former New Zealand cricketer Lou Vincent claimed he was offered a prostitute and bribes to get involved in match-fixing during the now defunct Indian Cricket League.

Vincent told Southwark Crown Court how he was sucked into the practice in 2008, first on the premise of being offered a bat deal by a sponsor, and then further enticed by Chris Cairns, who was captain of his team, the Chandigarh Lions.

Cairns is being prosecuted for perjury after declaring under oath that he had never cheated at cricket during a libel case in 2012.

He successfully sued Indian Premier league chief Lalit Modi after he tweeted an accusation of match fixing. He is also charged with perverting the course of justice, and denies all charges against him.

Vincent painted a picture of himself as a troubled and vulnerable person as his international career petered out in late 2007, turning to cannabis and alcohol.

After realising that his time with New Zealand was over he was grateful to receive an offer to play for the Lions in the ICL, which began in March 2008. He was paid US $350,000 (£227,000) to play the two segments of the league, in March/April and then October.

He alleged that those also involved in match-fixing included Indian Dinesh Mongia, Cairns, and New Zealander Daryl Tuffey.

'I was under direct orders from Chris Cairns to be involved in match-fixing,' he alleged under examination from Sasha Wass QC, prosecuting, with the suited Cairns looking on impassively from the dock.

Vincent said that in December he suffered a 'mental meltdown' and sought professional help and was given anti-depressants, which he supplemented with cannabis and alcohol.

He said that he went innocently to the ICL and that he looked up to the 'charismatic' Cairns: 'I thought with having a fellow Kiwi in charge of the team, I was going to be looked after,' said Vincent.

But shortly after arriving in Chandigarh he received a call from an Indian, Varun Gandhi. 'He told me he was involved in a cricket bat company,' Vincent told the court. 'We met in his hotel room but there was no equipment in the room.'

He said that there was a woman seated on the bed, and that after twenty minutes he asked if he could use the toilet and Gandhi followed him there, and told him that the woman 'was available for sex'.

'He pulled out a wad of American dollars, and said it was a sponsorship down payment, that's when alarm bells began to ring,' said Vincent. 'I left that room knowing it wasn't a sponsorship deal.'

Within half an hour, Vincent told the court, he reported the incident to his agent Leanne McGoldrick, who was also staying at the hotel. 'She said she was going to take care of it from there.'

Vincent described the ICL, which was unsanctioned, as 'pretty disorganised.' While he later on told the late Tony Greig, someone involved in the ICL management, about the incident his port of call after McGoldrick was Cairns.

'I went to Chris Cairns's hotel room and told him what had happened. I explained about the phone call and sponsorship deal, how I had gone to Leanne.

'Chris was interested and then there was a pause for a short period and he turned to me and said you've done the right thing, you are working for me, and that will act as good cover. That's when the whole introduction of being asked to match fix for Chris Cairns started.

'It was pretty quick that the match fixing word came up and he started to explain about the tournament being unsanctioned. He mentioned the games that were to be fixed. The conversation grew into how much he was going to pay me per match while I was working for him.

'It completely caught me off guard, I did not expect to hear that. I was still going through my depression and not feeling well. But I felt like 'I'm part of the game, I'm involved in something that exists, now I'm under Chris's wing, I'll never have to worry about money again.'


'It was like a bunch of mates going out to play. I was under the influence, I looked up to Chris, he was a role model. All of a sudden I had been invited into this little world. There was talk of the tournament and how every game is going to be fixed. Soon after there was a meeting in Chris's room with other players.

'I recall he'd pay me $50,000 (£32,000) for every game that was fixed. Underperforming was a huge element. I recall it being written on a piece of paper the margins of the game. With a diagram and how it works. Chris Cairns was the orchestrator.

'There were four games I fixed for Cairns in the April/May tournament. I played between eight and 12 games. In three or the four games I was instructed either on the bus or at breakfast. Maybe score 15 runs off twenty balls and get out.

'It was public knowledge, my mental health situation. There had been an interview in New Zealand.'

He was given a chart detailing certain matches and his contributions in them, going through the matches and conceding which ones were fixed.

'I was under instructions to fix. When you are underperforming you just play dead bat shots, play more defensive, you can control your scoring tempo but the actual art of getting out is actually quite hard.

'One of the easiest ways is to get run out, hit the ball to a fielder and keep running. Try to get stumped. Miss a straight ball.

'I didn't master the art of getting out very well. Cairns suggested if I was playing club cricket in England I practised the art of getting out.

'There was always talk after the game. My role was pretty simple, as long as I stuck to that. I remember if a game had gone to plan I remember it was a jovial environment.

'I recall a conversation with Chris that I said I felt embarrassed by the TV, I said I wanted to play a couple of games and do well. He did allow me a couple of games to play naturally.'

He spoke of a trip to Dubai during his stay in India with Cairns, Tuffey and Australian Matthew Elliott. 'There were discussions of what we had earned and how to use that money. It was exciting. There was a discussion about buying property in Dubai. Chris gave myself and Tuffey and envelope containing $2,500 (£1,620) spending money.'

He added he was convinced Elliott was involved in the fixing.

Vincent spoke of his horror on one occasion, on April 15 2008, when he accidentally hit a six and a four within two balls in making 28. Back at the hotel he had a call from Cairns summoning him to his room.

'I knew he wasn't happy, I could tell he was fuming. On the bus trip back to the hotel it was clear that he was angry. I expressed to Tuffey that I had stuffed up. I was shaking and nervous because I knew I had stuffed up, very anxious. I was worried I had let Chris down. I didn't know what the consequences would be.

'I walked into the room and sat down on the end of the bed. Daryl Tuffey was by the window, Cairns had an angry look on his face. He walked over to the bed and held the bat above my head, it was a pretty harrowing experience.

'I recall three things from Chris: I had cost him millions in terms of fees from the bookies. He accused me of going behind his back and working for someone else and going against his orders. He told me to f*** off because he didn't want to see me again.

'It felt like an eternity but it was probably five to 10 minutes in the hotel room. I was completely distraught and in tears, shaking, crying. Daryl Tuffey walked back to my room with me and was very comforting.'

The former opener then told of how he approached all rounder Andre Adams about fixing but was told he was not interested. There was a second approach to Vincent later in the tournament from Gandhi, asking him to give him details of matches that were fixed, and he duly provided information.

He said that his relationship with Gandhi lasted until he finally walked away from cricket in 2012 when he made a full disclosure to ICC investigators after speaking to the New Zealand professional cricketers' association.

He said that in 2008 he deliberately underperformed for Lancashire in one game, under the instructions of Cairns. He met him at a petrol station on the M1, and entirely coincidentally the Australian umpire Steve Davis happened to be there, and they briefly chatted.

Cairns was much more friendly this time, said Vincent, who by then was on a short term contract with Lancashire. 'He told me you needed to earn the trust back again. There was a match at Old Trafford versus Durham on the Friday June 17 and he told me I had to underperform to win his trust back.

'It was brought up that my opening partner was Mal Loye, I had a friendship with him and Chris was aware of this. He said I want you to speak to Mal Loye and get him involved with underperforming as well.

'I went to his house and spoke to him, he was having a benefit year and we'd had a conversation that it wasn't doing that well. I said to him that I knew people who would pay well for him to underperform.

'He was taken aback a little and the conversation closed pretty quick. He said he would think about it.'

But according to Vincent, Loye did not go any further with it, while the Kiwi batsman went on to make one run off five balls.

Soon after that Cairns came up to see him in Manchester and they went out for dinner with their respective partners, where match fixing was openly discussed, said Vincent.

'There was talk about the upcoming tournament and how there would be fixing again.' At the ICL edition in October he related about an attempted fix against Mumbai that degenerated into a 'shambles' despite six players being involved. During it he alleged that Cairns came over and said 'Stop looking so happy, act like you're disappointed.'

Vincent said he twice tried to spot fix while playing for Sussex in 2011. They played at home against Lancashire in the Twenty20 competition on August 8 2011 and he was told by Gandhi to spot fix over three overs by scoring less than fourteen runs, but he had an attack of conscience and did not go through with it.

He then told of his fears over what he had done, and made reference about the early death of Hansie Cronje.

Cairns's co defendant is Andrew Fitch-Holland, accused of one charge of perverting the course of justice. He denies the charge.

In the afternoon Vincent went on to detail some of the payments he received for his fixing in 2008, which amounted to £50,000, which he did not receive until 2011.

He detailed how he was asked to approach Zimbabwean Murray Goodwin to fix a match for Sussex on August 23 2008. They met in the pub where he broached the subject but a day later Goodwin rejected the idea by text.

Vincent attempted to fix the match with Pakistan player Nav Arif, who Vincent stated batted very slowly as they chased down their target, eventually losing the match.

“Straight after the match Murray wasn’t happy, he didn’t look comfortable at all,” Vincent told the court. “The following day there was a conversation with Murray Goodwin, saying that action was going to be taken, he was going to report it. Vincent admitted that he lied in his statement but could not answer why that specific report was never taken any further.

He was paid in cash by both Nasem Gulzar, an associate of Arif, and Gandhi, for what happened on August 23. The total was £60,000 and he gave Arif £15,000 of it.

Referring to non-fruitful discussions with Gandhi about trying to fix matches in the 2011 Champions League Vincent reflected: “ The underground always make you feel like you haven’t done the job right. I always felt that. I declined to get involved because I was playing for my home team (the Auckland Aces).”

In 2012 he recalled spot fixing for Auckland by playing well, but was not paid. In October 2012 he said he called Nasem Gulzar and Gandhi that he was finished with match fixing, although they still tried to contact him when he went to play in Bangladesh later in the year.

It was also in 2012 that Cairns contacted him regarding the Modi case. “Chris was asking for help with the libel case that was coming up. He wanted people to say that there were no cricket matches that had any intention of fixing. He was asking for a statement to back him up in court. It would have been a complete lie.”

There was still money owing to me. I told him I was not going to help him.”

In 2013 he was planning to go back to New Zealand but just before leaving was contacted by the England Cricket Board seeking an urgent meeting. Of that he admitted “I lied again.”

He amended his evidence from the morning, saying that he did not meet with the NZ players’ association until that year.

The jury were then played a recording of a Skype call between Vincent and Fitch-Holland in which the latter urges the New Zealander to produce a statement backing the probity of Cairns in two separate games.

“It’s a big ask for me to sign a legal document saying something that isn’t true,” Vincent is heard protesting.

The case continues.


http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/sp...itute-underperform-Indian-Cricket-League.html

 

[Gabbar Singh]

It was an open secret that Dinesh Mongia fixed matches hence why the former India international did not play pro cricket again after the ICL (he was only 31 or 32). God knows what he was involved in when he represented India on the 60 odd occasions he did.

 

[Rana]

fascinating read.

I am truly shocked.

 

[Pak Warrior]

Interesting report to say the least, I don't know how to feel about it besides the obvious disgust. I felt like Pak/Ind players were the main ones involved in this type of stuff, but really alarming to have proof that it is spread among NZ, Eng, and even Aus. SMH what a disgrace to the game

 

[Thivagar]

WOW. Good thing ICL is gone. Still don't think IPL is corrupt in terms of result outcome or match fixing.

 

[cricketjoshila]

It was an open secret that Dinesh Mongia fixed matches hence why the former India international did not play pro cricket again after the ICL (he was only 31 or 32). God knows what he was involved in when he represented India on the 60 odd occasions he did.

Yes,thats why BCCI never gave him amnesty to come back.

 

[Sakss]

This is nonsense,” said Dinesh Mongia, speaking over the phone from his residence when claims of spot-fixing by New Zealand cricketer Lou Vincent surfaced again on Tuesday

"This is nonsense,” said Dinesh Mongia, speaking over the phone from his residence when claims of spot-fixing by New Zealand cricketer Lou Vincent surfaced again on Tuesday.

“I am innocent and wondering why my name is being discussed again and again and that too after eight years. I was never involved and was even cleared by the organizers of the ICL (Indian Cricket League) and I can even produce the legal document,” Mongia made it clear.

Mongia sent a copy of the letter, which he received from Pan Infra Projects Pvt. Ltd. formerly known as Essel Sports Pvt. Ltd.).

"This is to confirm that the agreement executed between yourself and Essel Sports Pvt. Ltd. stands terminated and neither party has any claim of any nature whatsoever against each other", the letter read.

"Please note the terms of confidentiality inter-alia any information shared with you during your association with ICL, continue to be valid and binding on you".

"We wish you the very best in your further assignments", said the letter.

The 38-year-old left-handed batsman has not been a part of BCCI's pension scheme.

"This is because I have not announced my retirement yet. I don't intend to retire now. I will approach the board for my eligibility for the pension once I retire from the game", he added.

Aarti, Mongia's wife, added: “Of course, we are all very disturbed. The letter is clear.”

"We are living a normal life and would have been enjoying the luxurious life had my husband was involved in fixing the matches.

"Vincent's allegations are baseless. Had Dinesh been involved in fixing he wouldn't have been the player of the domestic tournament held by ICL way back.

"Also his statistics were the best compared to the Kiwis and the others. He has always been a team person and has never put his personal interests ahead,” the wife added.

"These guys just need a scapegoat and they are ganging up against Dinesh. It is very unfortunate that someone who has never backstabbed, never done ill to anyone, has to go though unnecessary trauma. Players with evidence against them walk free and Dinesh has only baseless statements against him and his image is being tarnished,” she said.

Dinesh has been providing coaching to the poor boys in Chandigarh.

"My husband is on the ground from morning till dusk teaching children. He earns a living and we are happy with our life. This unnecessary allegation is just baseless and only harassing the peace in our lives,” she concluded.




Mongia been a fixer, we would have been living luxuriously, says his wife
BIPIN DANI

MUMBAI Oct 13: "This is nonsense", Dinesh Mongia, speaking over telephone from his residence when claim of spot-fixing by the New Zealander Lou Vincent has surfaced again, said on Tuesday morning.

"I am innocent and am wondering why my name is being discussed again and again and that too after 8 years. I was never involved and was even cleared by the organizers of the ICL (Indian Cricket League) and I can even produce the legal document".

Mongia sent a copy of the letter, which he received from Pan Infra projects Pvt. Ltd. formerly known as Essel Sports Pvt. Ltd.).

"This is to confirm that the Agreement executed between yourself and Essel Sports Pvt. Ltd. stands terminated and neither party has any claim of any nature whatsoever against each other", the letter says.

"Please note the terms of confidentiality inter-alia any information shared with you during your association with ICL, continue to be valid and binding on you".

"We wish you the very best in your further assignments", the letter dated 4th August 2014, has said.

The 38-year-old left-handed batsman has not been the part of the BCCI's pension scheme. "This is because I have not announced my retirement yet. I don't intend to retire now. Will approach the Indian cricket board for my eligibility for the pension once I retire from the game", he added.

Later, speaking exclusively, Mongia's wife, Aarti, says, "Of course, we are all very disturbed. The letter is clear".

"We are living a normal life and would have been enjoying the luxurious life had my husband was involved in fixing the matches".

"Vincent's allegations are baseless. Had Dinesh been involved in fixing he wouldn't have been the player of the domestic tournament held by ICL way back".
"Also his stats were the best when compared to the Kiwis and the other players in the team. He has always been a team person and has never put his personal interests ahead of the team interest", the wife added.

"These guys just need a scapegoat and they are ganging up against Dinesh. It is very unfortunate that someone who has never back stabbed, never done ill to anyone has to go though unnecessary trauma. Players with evidence against them walk free and Dinesh has only baseless statements against him and his image is being tarnished", she said.

Dinesh has been providing coaching to the poor boys in Chandigarh. "My husband is on the ground from morning till dusk teaching children even though it pains him that the can't play only because of passion and love for the game".

"He earns a living and we are happy with our life. This unnecessary allegation is just baseless and only harassing the peace in our lives", she concluded.

 

[MenInG]

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/cricke...up-about-attempted-suicide-and-helping-others

Lou Vincent says he got involved in cricket match-fixing because he had stopped caring and had "given up on the good of the world."

The former New Zealand opener, who was banned for life by the England and Wales Cricket Board after admitting 18 counts of matchfixing in 2014, has spoken of an attempted suicide and dealing with depression in an interview with Newstalk ZB.

He said he got involved in match-fixing because he didn't care any more.

Lou Vincent is focusing on doing what he can to help deal with the mental health problems facing New Zealand.
SUPPLIED
Lou Vincent is focusing on doing what he can to help deal with the mental health problems facing New Zealand.

"From my point of view, I had given up on the good of the world. I believed that bad was the best way to to and stuff the system, so to speak."


He said he had attempted suicide after confessing to match-fixing.

Vincent was among those giving evidence against Chris Cairns during court proceedings against the cricket star.

He said he was in a deep depression. "It's just the guilt, the no way out of this wall in your head that says you are useless, you have no purpose, you are a loser, you are a failure. And people know you are a failure and you feel that stigma is going to stick with you forever," he told Newstalk ZB.

Vincent said with the help of others and a lot of self-reflection, he had survived. "Ultimately it came down to me to let go of the past, to let my ego go...."

"I have learned to love myself for the first time in many many years."

Vincent, who works as a property project manager, said he now wanted to help people by relating his story first-hand and encouraging them to accepting their mistakes and letting them go.


"I certainly want people out there to believe that no matter how hard a situation you are in life you are able to change your perception and your mind to get through any hardship."

He said the rate of suicide in New Zealand was far too high and he would like to see more attention being paid to mental health in workplaces.

Vincent said he was not seeking to have cricket life ban reduced. "I have moved on from cricket; it's still very raw and I also have got to do my time. What I did was disrespectful for the game and the thought of going to the game and ..being involved in cricket for the next few years is just not right," he told Newstalk ZB.

"I've got a new job and a new career. I've got a simpler life. I've got two adorable little girls that are my focus at the moment and hey, we will see what happens, but me getting out there and speaking to people about life and encouraging people to move on no matter how hard the situation they feel like they are in inspires me than going to a game of cricket."

Vincent gave evidence against Chris Cairns in his fellow former Black Cap's perjury trial, which centred on match-fixing allegations, in London last year. Cairns was found not guilty. Vincent said he was keeping his opinion about that to himself, but indicated the trial had come at great stress a number of parties.

 

[FearlessRoar]

Cricket Discipline Commission revise life ban on Lou Vincent

A summary of a decision taken by the Cricket Discipline Commission.

The Cricket Discipline Commission (CDC) has revised the life ban imposed in June 2014 on former New Zealand international Lou Vincent.

In June 2014, former New Zealand international cricketer Mr Lou Vincent received 11 life time bans excluding him from participation in cricket in any capacity. The sanctions, accepted by Mr Vincent, were an inevitable and appropriate result of the match fixing episodes in which Mr Vincent had been involved.

Following an application by Mr Vincent in August 2023, Gerard Elias CBE KC on behalf of the Cricket Discipline Commission, has decided to revise the life ban imposed in June 2014 on Mr Vincent, so that he is now permitted to participate and be involved in cricket matches at or below the level of domestic cricket with immediate effect.

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

Revision of a sanction such as this requires the most cogent and compelling reasons for so doing. 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.

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 New Zealand Cricket and the ECB.

I am satisfied that these factors justify an amelioration of the original sanction at this time. Statement of Gerard Elias CBE KC, 8th December 2023

 

[MenInG]

Vincent life ban relaxed (From NZC)

New Zealand Cricket has joined with the New Zealand Cricket Players Association in welcoming a relaxation of the life ban imposed on former international Lou Vincent.

In a ruling just announced, the England & Wales Cricket Board’s disciplinary arm has agreed to revise the penalties imposed on Vincent in 2014 so that he can participate and be involved in cricket matches at, or below domestic level.

The changes will take immediate effect.

Gerard Elias CBE KC on behalf of the Cricket Discipline Commission, said in a statement the decision was reached following careful consideration of the specific circumstances of Vincent’s case, the supporting evidence, and representations from a number of major cricket stakeholders, including the International Cricket Council, NZC, and the ECB.

In particular, he said, it recognised Vincent’s full and frank admissions and disclosures; his immediate and total cooperation with cricket and civil authorities in various parts of the world, and his participation in anti-corruption education programmes for New Zealand Cricket and the ECB.

Mr Elias said he was satisfied these factors justified “an amelioration of the original sanction at this time”.

Vincent said he was grateful to be given a second chance.

“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.

“I want to thank the ECB and the Cricket Discipline Committee and Mr Gerald Elias CBE KC for their consideration of my application and their ultimate determination.

“Same with the ICC, NZC, the NZCPA and the many other organisations who supported me throughout this process – it’s meant so much to me on a personal level.

“It’s also important for me to acknowledge and thank my lawyer Chris Morris, whose guidance and support over many years is something I’ll never forget.”

Vincent said he would look forward to supporting and helping the game at a community level in the years ahead, and attending cricket matches with his family.

NZCPA chief executive Heath Mills welcomed the ruling.

“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 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.”

NZC chief executive Scott Weenink said his organisation supported the relaxation of Vincent’s penalty.

“We’re pleased for Lou,” he said. “He made a mistake but he’s part of our cricket family and we want to support him and stand by him.

“Lou’s given a lot to the game, not least in helping spread the anti-corruption message over the past decade, and it’s good and right that he can be more involved again.”

Weenink said NZC wanted to thank the ECB, CDC, and the ICC for their understanding, and also acknowledge the hard work undertaken behind the scenes by the NZCPA, and Chris Morris.

“It says something about Lou that so many people wanted to help him,” he said. “It’s a good decision, and we’re all very grateful.”

 

[FlickedOffHips]

Sensible decision.

 

[Savak]

What does Salman Butt have to do to enjoy a similar relaxation? Michael Vaughan and Michael Atherton along with our ex players feel Butt should be made to suffer for the rest of his life.