Lou Vincent Honoured for 100th ODI Cap

Earlier this month, Lou Vincent, the former New Zealand cricketer, was honoured with a special cap to celebrate his 100th ODI appearance—nearly 17 years after he reached the milestone in 2007. The cap was presented by Sir Richard Hadlee during an intimate ceremony in Auckland, attended by Vincent’s family and several former teammates.

Reflecting on the occasion, Vincent expressed his gratitude, saying it was a meaningful way to recognise his cricketing career. He viewed the night as an opportunity to thank those who supported him through both the highs and the challenging times. He described the event as a memorable and special evening filled with heartfelt speeches.

Vincent’s cricket career spanned from 2001 to 2007, during which he scored 2,413 runs in 102 ODIs, and also participated in 23 Tests and nine T20Is. After his international career, he played in the now-defunct Indian Cricket League (ICL) and remained active in domestic cricket until 2014, when he received a lifetime ban from the ECB for involvement in corrupt activities in the county circuit.

In December 2023, the ECB revised Vincent’s ban, allowing him to resume work in domestic cricket. Vincent remarked that while the past cannot be changed, he was grateful for the support he received during his appeal, noting that the ECB respected the work he had done to educate the next generation of players using his own experiences.

NZC chief executive Scott Weenink revealed that the board had been holding onto Vincent’s commemorative cap for nearly 13 years. He acknowledged Vincent's wrongdoing but highlighted that Vincent had done his penance and contributed significantly to the fight against match-fixing by being transparent and sharing his knowledge.

During the cap presentation, Hadlee, who was the chairman of selectors when Vincent was first picked for New Zealand, became emotional. Vincent recalled telling Hadlee that his gesture of flying to Auckland to present the cap was deeply humbling and a testament to Hadlee’s greatness. The moment brought Hadlee to tears, an emotional highlight of the evening.

Vincent's 100th ODI took place in Cape Town in December 2007, where he scored 18 runs and claimed his only ODI wicket by dismissing Jacques Kallis. Now 45, Vincent is gradually returning to cricket, having recently played for Seddon Cricket Club. He also participated in a five-day match to raise awareness about men’s mental health.

Vincent shared that his life has moved forward, and he is now focused on his family, which includes a new son and two teenage daughters. He expressed contentment with his current life, living a simple, beachside existence in the far north, where he can focus on his family and personal well-being.