Over the years, many cricketers spoiled their careers due to alcohol addiction. Here is the list of talented cricketers who could have gone greater heights, but due to their alcohol habit, it stopped them from doing it:
1. Jesse Ryder
Who can forget Jesse Ryder because of his mind-blowing start of an international career against India in 2009? He was an eternally attacking batsman. He had also played IPL for Pune warriors. But sadly, he became a forgotten hero due to alcohol. The police also caught Ryder in a Drunk and Drive case. But his main fallback arises when he was involved in bar incidents twice. Luckily, he ended up just breaking his hand. But controversies couldn’t take the handoff of this kiwi cricketer. This time, he was engaged in a bar fight with 4 men, resulting in severe injury. His skull got fractured and induced a medical coma. He did try to come back, but alcohol never let that happen.
2. James Faulkner
Who can forget the legendary INDIA VS AUSTRALIA 2013 series where Rohit Sharma scored his first double century. An unsung hero from Australia tried his best to defeat India. And because of his performance, he became a star overnight. He also finished as the second-highest wicket-taker in IPL. His huge controversies came in 2015. He played for Lancashire in county cricket and was arrested by Manchester police for drinking and driving. He was banned by Australian cricket for his unethical behavior.
3. Monty Panesar
Former England left-arm spinner Monty Panesar had a fantastic career until he met alcohol in his life. He was also part of England’s historic 2-1 Test series win in India. With talent comes responsibilities, but this man was not so good at handling that. There were many times he found partying. But one of the controversies took place when he was urinating on two bouncers outside a bar in London, which saw the England Cricket Board take the issue very seriously. That led to an end of a Monty international career.
4. Ricky Ponting
He is the greatest of all time and legendary leader of the mighty Australian team. The issues came during the early part of his career. He was punched by a man once outside a bar in Sydney. He doesn’t remember anything because he was drunk. What’s the difference between a man and a legend? The legend became a legend after overcoming their flaws, so did he? He worked on the issues and got himself out of trouble.
5. Andrew Symonds
Another exceptional batsman from Australia is on the list. Who can forget that time when he rules the batting world? He was always in controversies due to his arrogance and his moody behavior. But this player found another reason for being in argument despite opinionated and batting that was alcohol. Once during a radio interview, he called Brendon McCullum a ‘lump of shit.’ Afterward, CA added a clause in the Symonds contract that he does not drink alcohol in public places. After signing the contract, he was spotted again for taking alcohol, which led to the end of his career.
6. Ben Stokes
Ben Stokes became the most famous personality and reliable player for England. He is amongst the highest-paid cricketers in IPL. Who can forget the ashes where Stokes single-handedly won the match for England? But despite this much ability, he had committed many mistakes. He was sent home from the Lions tour of Australia in disgrace after ignoring warnings about his drinking in 2013.
7. David Warner
Here comes another legend and another captain of Australia. He is also amongst the highest-paid IPL star. Among most international players, he also has a vast Indian fan following. The Australian opener thought that Root was making fun of Muslims, and he punched Joe Root after being under the influence of alcohol in 2013. Warner was also dropped from the Australian team following the attack on an England cricketer.
8. Liam Plunket
So, England and Australia are the roots of alcohol problems and controversies. So, you can guess from where he came. Liam Plunkett, the England cricketer, was banned from driving for a second time after getting caught for more alcohol content in his body while driving. And then he was banned for 20 months.
9. Garry Balance
Another England cricketer announced his arrival at the highest level with some stellar performances. His charm decreased with time, and controversies increased with time. He appeared dancing topless in a nightclub with a beer in his hand, and he was also spotted shouting, “I’m not a cricketer tonight, and I am a drunken b***d” That led to a warning from the English cricket board.
10. Andrew Flintoff
One of the most talented bowlers of England has also faced various challenges because of his drinking problems. Other than injuries, the main challenge he faced in his cricketing career was alcohol, which he later revealed after his retirement. Flintoff wrote at length about his problems with drinking, on how it turned him into an idiot. Apart from Jesse Ryder, he was more talented and could achieve heights, but due to his alcohol addiction, he couldn’t attain what he was able to.
