These players’ experiences underscore the importance of support systems, mental-health awareness, and balanced lifestyles in modern sport. Their journeys, while difficult, also opened important conversations across cricket about well-being, pressure management, and life beyond the boundary.

Amid the recent revelation by Zimbabwe’s Sean Williams, who disclosed his struggle with drug addiction and has been ruled out from future national selection, Cricket, a sport celebrated for its grace and discipline, has also seen moments where players faced personal battles away from the field, particularly with substance or alcohol issues. These stories highlight that even elite athletes encounter pressures and vulnerabilities that can shape and sometimes shake their careers. Below is a look at eight cricketers who confronted such struggles.

1. Shane Warne (Australia)

One of cricket’s greatest leg-spinners, Shane Warne was handed a one-year ban in 2003 after testing positive for a banned diuretic. The suspension came just before the Cricket World Cup, shocking the cricketing world. Warne’s case became a major talking point about substance regulations and player responsibility.

2. Mohammad Asif (Pakistan)

Gifted with extraordinary swing bowling abilities, Mohammad Asif’s career faced setbacks due to substance-related controversies. He was suspended in 2006 after testing positive for nandrolone and later made headlines again when authorities detained him in Dubai for carrying opium.

3. Shoaib Akhtar (Pakistan)

Known as the “Rawalpindi Express,” Shoaib Akhtar also tested positive for nandrolone in 2006 and faced a suspension alongside Asif. While he continued his career thereafter, the incident left a significant mark on his legacy and raised concerns about doping in cricket.

4. Jesse Ryder (New Zealand)

Explosive with the bat and promising in talent, Jesse Ryder’s cricketing journey was repeatedly interrupted by off-field struggles involving alcohol. Despite his brilliance, his personal challenges led to long breaks from the sport and impacted what could have been a far more decorated career.

5. Andrew Flintoff (England)

A charismatic all-rounder and a hero of the 2005 Ashes, Andrew Flintoff faced battles with alcohol during stressful phases of his career. He later opened up about his emotional struggles and coping mechanisms, shedding light on mental health pressures in professional sport.

6. Herschelle Gibbs (South Africa)

A naturally gifted stroke-maker, Herschelle Gibbs spoke candidly about his issues with alcohol and how they affected his personal and professional life. His revelations highlighted the unseen struggles that can accompany talent and fame.

7. Vinod Kambli (India)

Once considered one of India’s brightest batting talents, Vinod Kambli later acknowledged battling alcohol issues amid public pressure and scrutiny. His experience remains a stark reminder of how expectations and fame can take a toll on athletes.

8. Marcus Trescothick (England)

Marcus Trescothick’s career was deeply affected by mental-health-related challenges, which he said also contributed to alcohol dependency. His openness helped destigmatize mental health conversations in cricket, as he became a voice advocating awareness and support.

These players’ experiences underscore the importance of support systems, mental-health awareness, and balanced lifestyles in modern sport. Their journeys, while difficult, also opened important conversations across cricket about well-being, pressure management, and life beyond the boundary.