Cricketers and drugs!

Mohammad Asif (Pakistan): u00a0The outstanding fast bowler has courted controversy a number of times. In 2006, he tested positive for the anabolic steroid Nandrolone before his ban was overturned after an appeal. Later, he was detained at the Dubai Airport on suspicion of possessing illegal drugs. The charges were later dropped. He thereafter tested positive for a banned substance during IPL 2008.

Asim Buttu00a0(Scotland): u00a0The Scottish seam bowler, who played five ODIs, was banned from all forms of cricket for a year after testing positive for a recreational drug Ecstasy. Four years later, he died in his sleep at the ageu00a0of 42.

David Murray (West Indies):u00a0 The former West Indies cricketer, who played 19 Test matches and 10 ODIs over a career spanning nine years was dependent on marijuana from a young age. Son of the great WI batsman Everton Weekes, he was almost thrown out of the 1975-76 tour to Australia, only to be saved by the intervention of a sympathetic senior player Lance Gibbs.

Shoaib Akhtar (Pakistan): u00a0The maverick speedster has been associated with loads of controversies throughout his career. He's been accused of chucking, consuming drugs, fighting with teammates and cricket board, match fixing, etc. u00a0In 2006, he was embroiled in a drug scandal. Akhtar made headlines once again for the wrong reasons after testing positive for a banned substance. The ban was however later lifted by the court.

Phil Tufnell (England): u00a0The left-arm English bowler appeared in 42 Tests and 20 one-day internationals with distinction. During a tour of New Zealand in 1997 however, reports emerged that he left a toilet block cubicle trailing the scent of marijuana. However, he was later exonerated.u00a0