In honour of his 100th One Day International (ODI) match, former New Zealand batter Lou Vincent received a unique cap. The occasion, which happened in Auckland earlier this month, was nearly 17 years after Vincent accomplished this noteworthy professional accomplishment. With 1332, 2413, and 174 runs scored in 23 Tests, 102 ODIs, and nine T20Is, the 45-year-old was active in all three events.
Following his international career, which lasted from 2001 to 2007, Vincent was implicated in a match-fixing scandal in 2014, which led to a lifetime suspension from cricket. Vincent was able to resume his career in domestic cricket, though, after the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) modified this sentence in December 2023.
Vincent’s family and former teammates attended the small-scale event. The cap was given by the illustrious New Zealand cricketer Sir Richard Hadlee, who had initially chosen Vincent for the team.
Being recognised for my cricket career was a wonderful experience, and I was able to use the occasion to express my sincere gratitude to those who have supported me both in difficult and wonderful times. With some really kind comments said, it was a truly special and unforgettable night, Vincent told The Post.
The past has already passed. Lou Vincent
Vincent wants to move on from the past and is preparing for the next chapter of his life. The cricket player’s efforts over the previous few years had been acknowledged by the ECB, he admitted.
“The past is what it was. The fact that the ECB showed no resistance to my application to appeal the ban and that they fully appreciated the work I had done behind the scenes over the previous few years, as well as my use of my experiences to help educate the next generation of players, was very effective, the former continued.
Chief Executive Scott Weenink of New Zealand Cricket appreciated Vincent’s background in the game. The board could do no better, according to Weenink, than to give him the cap.
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“In actuality, you can’t forget what he truly did—and he would be the first to own that—but he has atoned for his actions, and by being so forthright and disclosing everything he knew, he has done more than anyone to combat match-fixing. Presenting him with his cap was the least we could have done when the chance arose, Weenink remarked.
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