New Zealander Lou Vincent admits to match fixing

Auckland, July 1 (IANS) Former New Zealand cricketer Lou Vincent Tuesday admitted to cheating, saying he has abused his position as a professional cricketer by accepting money for fixing matches.

"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," said Vincent in a video-taped confession.

"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," he said.

Vincent, who suffers from depression, will now be the first New Zealand cricketer to face a life ban from cricket.

This year he was handed a life ban by England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) for fixing five games and faced 26 charges in total.

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) also banned him recently for not reporting an approach while playing for the Dhaka Gladiators.

Champions League Twenty20 was also quick to ban him for life after the former Auckland Aces batsman pleaded guilty to seven charges relating to spot fixing.