Lou Vincent, the former New Zealand batsman, has been banned for life by the ECB after he admitted breaching the ECB's anti-corruption regulations. Hours before the penalty was announced, Vincent publicly announced that he was a cheat and that he had accepted money to fix.

In May, Vincent had been charged on 14 offences related to fixing in county cricket, and his penalty is expected to be announced later today by the ECB.

"My name is Lou Vincent and I am a cheat," he said. "I have abused my position as a professional sportsman on a number of occasions by choosing to accept money through fixing."

Vincent's name was first linked with an ICC Anti-corruption and security unit (ACSU) match-fixing investigation last December. Two months later, he admitted being approached by an illegal bookmaker during the 2013 Bangladesh Premier League. After charges were laid by the ECB in May, he expected further charges relating to his appearances for Auckland Aces in the Champions League.

"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. Speaking out. Exposing the truth. Laying bare the things I have done wrong is the only way I can find to begin to put things right."

Vincent apologised for his actions and thanked his partner Susie for helping him face the truth. "Today is the day I offer my deepest apologies to the public and the cricketing world, to the loyal fans, to the dedicated coaches, staff and all players past and present.

"I apologise to the and thank the ACSU for their help and support, which is out there for all players and it has helped me a great deal."

As long back as 2008, Vincent was struggling with depression but he refused to lay blame the conditions for his actions. "The people who know me know I am vulnerable. But they also know I am not stupid and that I know what is right and what is wrong. I do suffer from depression but it is absolutely no reason or excuse for all that I have done wrong."

(Cricinfo)