Drugs and cricket: Stars who got caught in the crossfire

The world has seen numerous sports stars caught and subsequently penalised for drug use. In this collection of images, Mid-Day spotlights top cricketers such as Shoaib Akhtar, Yusuf Pathan, and Shane Warne, who have found themselves entangled in drug-related controversies throughout their careers. (Pic: AFP)

Updated On: 2024-11-19 09:38 PM IST

Compiled by : E A

(L-R) Vinod Kambli, Shoaib Akhtar, Andrew Symonds (Pic: AFP)

Wasim Akram revealed his battle with cocaine addiction in his forthcoming autobiography Sultan: A Memoir. The legendary pacer confessed that his dependency on the drug began after his retirement, as he sought a "substitute for the adrenaline rush of competition." Akram's struggle with cocaine continued until the tragic death of his first wife, Huma, in 2009.

Vinod Kambli rose to prominence in the 1990s with a sensational start to his Test cricket career. However, his rise was followed by an equally swift decline. Kambli has openly acknowledged his battles with cocaine, drugs, and alcohol, which played a significant role in derailing his once-promising career.

 The late Shane Warne was handed a 12-month suspension in 2003, just before the start of the World Cup, after testing positive for a banned diuretic.

Former New Zealand captain and Chennai Super Kings head coach Stephen Fleming was implicated in a marijuana-related incident along with fellow Kiwi players Dion Nash and Matthew Hart. The incident occurred in December 1994 during New Zealand's tour of South Africa, where the players were charged with smoking cannabis.

Former India all-rounder Yusuf Pathan was handed a five-month retrospective suspension for failing a dope test, a penalty set to expire on January 14, 2018. The BCCI acknowledged that the violation was unintentional, leading to the sanction.

The late Australian cricketer Andrew Symonds struggled with alcohol addiction throughout his career. He openly admitted to frequently stepping onto the field under the influence, after spending entire nights partying. Symonds' off-field issues often made headlines, and despite his immense talent, his personal struggles impacted both his career and reputation. He was known for his explosive performances on the field, but his battle with alcohol was a constant challenge.

Herschelle Gibbs was fined R10,000 for smoking marijuana during post-match celebrations after South Africa secured an 82-run victory over the West Indies in Antigua, clinching the Test series in 2001.

Gibbs, along with teammates Roger Telemachus, Paul Adams, Justin Kemp, Andre Nel, and captain Graeme Smith, was caught smoking the drug in a hotel room at the Jolly Beach Resort on April 10. The incident became a major controversy, casting a shadow over South Africa's series victory.

In a fascinating revelation, the legendary Gary Sobers once shared that during his iconic unbeaten 150-run knock at Lord's, he was actually intoxicated. Sobers admitted that he began drinking the night before the match, and the party continued into the early hours of the morning, lasting until 9:30 AM.

After a night of revelry, Sobers eventually showered, donned his pads, and went on to produce one of the most memorable innings in cricket history. This remarkable feat only adds to his legendary status, showing that Sobers' talent transcended even the most unconventional circumstances.

Shoaib Akhtar was handed a two-year ban from cricket in 2006 after being found guilty of using the banned anabolic steroid nandrolone. The decision came from a three-member drugs tribunal set up by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). As a result, he was removed from Pakistan's squad for the Champions Trophy on October 16, just one day before the opening match. Initially, Shoaib denied any wrongdoing, but later, he chose not to request a retest of his B sample, effectively accepting the validity of the original test results.

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