Doping has been a controversial topic in the world of sports, including cricket, for a long time. Several international cricketers have been banned after failing doping tests. Let’s look at the three biggest names who have been marred by controversy regarding doping.
3. Shane Warne:
Shane Warne, considered one of the greatest leg-spinners in cricket history, was banned for a year just before the 2003 Cricket World Cup. The Australian Cricket Board found him guilty of taking a diuretic, a banned substance. Warne claimed that he had taken a fluid tablet given by his mother to improve his appearance, but the authorities didn’t accept this excuse. He had to miss the World Cup and several other matches due to the ban, which tarnished his reputation.
Yusuf Pathan, an Indian all-rounder who represented his country in several international matches, faced a doping ban in 2018. The World Anti-Doping Agency found the substance Terbutaline in his urine sample, which is banned. Pathan accepted the backdated five-month ban and vowed to be more careful in the future. This incident raised questions about the use of performance-enhancing drugs in domestic cricket, and the Indian authorities took steps to prevent such occurrences.
Andre Russell, a West Indies all-rounder who is a star in T20 leagues around the world, was banned for a year in 2017. He was found guilty of not filling in his whereabouts three times within 12 months, which was considered a failed doping test. Russell missed several lucrative T20 tournaments, including the Indian Premier League and the Pakistan Super League, due to the ban. He tried to defend himself, but the authorities didn’t accept his arguments. The incident highlighted the importance of complying with anti-doping regulations, and many cricketers became more aware of their responsibilities.