Former New Zealand cricketer Lou Vincent has bravely spoken out about his struggle with depression, which ultimately led him down a dark path in the match-fixing scandal of the early 2000s.
After losing his central contract with New Zealand Cricket (NZC), Vincent joined the now-defunct Indian Cricket League (ICL) in 2008. He was made aware of match-fixing by former India all-rounder Chris Cairns, and decided to become involved in the activities of Corruption ruined his career.
Lou Vincent reflects on his journey from depression to the match-fixing scandal
At the time, Lou Vincent was a rising star, having represented New Zealand in 23 Tests and 108 ODIs. Vincent's fall from grace was rapid, as his involvement in match-fixing led to an early end to his career. Having played his last international match in 2007, the former New Zealander continued his county cricket career in England and featured in T20 leagues across the world.
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But the shadow of match-fixing loomed large, and in 2014, when Vincent was just 29 years old, he was banned for life from all forms of cricket by the England Wales Cricket Board (ECB) after pleading guilty to 18 anti-corruption breaches. . Regulations, including fees relating to T20 matches between Lancashire and Durham in 2008 and other matches in 2011.
With the life ban, Lou Vincent became the first New Zealand athlete to face such a harsh penalty for involvement in corrupt activities. However, last year, the ban on Vincent's life was lifted, giving him the opportunity to rebuild his life and career in domestic cricket.
He wasn't mentally prepared to be a professional athlete: New Zealander Vincent
“So, I didn't have the mental package to be a professional athlete,” Le Vincent was quoted as saying by The Telegraph. “So, when I was 28, I was very depressed and then I went to India and I was pulled out, immersed in this world of reform. It was very easy to see how it happened. I felt like I was part of a gang. It almost made me feel better, because I was thinking: 'I'm part of a match-fixing gang.'
The former New Zealand batsman continued: “I'm with a group that will support me, and no one knows our little secret. I've literally raised myself since I was 12, so I've always been very flexible with the people around me. Because I wanted to be loved, it's easy to Lose Your Way And, you know, that contributed greatly to my career by wanting to be liked, wanting to be loved, and kind of sharing what I was feeling on tour.
Lou Vincent reveals how homesickness and pressure encourage him to take part in match-fixing
Finally, Vincent also spoke about the difficulties he faced during his career, sharing how small issues such as homesickness or lack of fitness led to him being left out of the New Zealand team. He also spoke openly about the pressure and manipulation he faced, explaining how match-fixers used hidden threats to control him.
Vincent also revealed that even after participating in the reform, he felt trapped, with the psychics always reminding him that he “owed them” and that escape was almost impossible. In the end, he felt that confessing was the only way to break free from their grip, and so he did.
