'Greed' plummets Vincent into match-fixing

Former New Zealand batsman Lou Vincent has revealed that he was motivated by greed, his disappointment at the end of his international career and the feeling that he could not say 'no' to his 'hero' to agree to get involved in match-fixing.

Vincent, who was banned from cricket for life on Tuesday after he pleaded guilty to 18 breaches of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB)'s anti-corruption regulations in three matches in England, said that he felt greedy for the first time in his life.

According to Sport24, Vincent said that he probably had a chip on his shoulder over his career, adding that he left New Zealand pretty heart broken and a bit angry at the system and that lead him to get involved in match-fixing.

He said that as the match-fixing world opened up to him, he thought that he is going to make some big money now.

Vincent was first approached while playing in a rebel Twenty20 competition in India in 2008, where he was invited to attend a meeting with a local businessman to discuss promotional endorsements of cricket gear.

However, at the meeting he was reportedly offered the services of a prostitute and a large stack of American dollars.

Vincent said that he realised what was being offered, turned both down and then met a friend he was playing with, who he referred to as his hero, about the approach.

Vincent said that there was this moment of silence then he took a deep breath and told the former batsman that that is a good cover because he is now working for him.

Vincent added that that is when he realised that this is happening and there is no turning back.