New Zealand make match fixing a Crime

New Zealand recently faced embarrassment and anger from cricket fans when it was discovered that one of its national cricket team player Lou Vincent guilty of match fixing. Lou was handed over a life ban by the New Zealand Cricket Association for the same. He also admitted of the same in public also stating his explanation and story behind him falling bait to it.

The Law makers in the Parliament on Thursday decided it was time and need for them to make a law to cut such incidents down. Justice minister Judith Collins moved and the resolution was passed at a go and will become a law by the end of the year. As the country along with Australia are to host the biggest cricketing event the World Cup in 2015. They are positive of completing the procedures well before the World event ensuring additional anti corruption fire wall for the mega event.

The proposal has provision of prison up to 7 years for those proved guilty of involvement in any form of trying or influencing the outcome of a sport or race. This is a real strong move and stand by the legislative body of the country to crib down and keep all sports played on the home soil from any form of malpractices.

Minister Collins said “Match fixing is a growing problem internationally and has been described as the number one threat to sport.” A good move this must be appreciated and adopted as well internationally to keep the spirit and integrity of the game intact.