Why do cricketers dope?

So, in light of the recent question of Russia even being allowed in the Olympics due to doping, it got me thinking about why some cricketers dope.

I mean, really, who much would it benefit them in one game even if they didn't get caught? I really don't understand why they would take the risk. And yet, several have, and more than once.

Why do you think they do it?

The same reason athletes choose to do so in other sports - to gain a competitive advantage, and a bigger pay day - whether that be in the form of contracts or sponsorship's.

It is worth noting that even when a player has fallen foul of the testing regime, the ICC has failed to follow through. A perfect recent example of this is Yasir Shah - who was banned for three months - far less than the two years by which such an offence should have been punished.

It will be interesting to see what happens with Andre Russell. Three missed tests are considered to be the same as a positive finding, and under the rules, Russell should be banned for two years.

The same question can be asked about any sportsmen and women and I don't think there is actually one reason that can cover them all. The rewards in sport these days and the chance to make a legacy for yourself is greater than ever before, and I think a lot of individuals get caught up in that whole quest for fame and fortune and forget why they are in that sport in the first place.


It's easy for people like me to judge them and say that they are privileged to be in that position in the first place and to be able to compete in any sport you love and get paid well for doing it is something that only us mere mortals can dream of, so it's hard to understand for us why they would risk losing that by cheating.

As mentioned above, the ICC has been extremely lenient when it comes to doping in cricket, as evidenced by the recent Yasir Shah incident. Being banned for three months isn't exactly a great deterrent.

Viv says the Ganja drink cured him! 

www.espncricinfo.com/wctimeline/content/story/90964.html

looks like he was having more than the drink!! 

http://thereversesweep.typepad.com/.a/6a0120a735b61b970b014e5fd78f4c970c-pi

Ganja is NOT drugs.

I agree, the ICC is too lenient. IMO, it should be a life ban. I realize that that's very extreme, but it might make them think a lot harder before they tried it.

It is sad when they lose sight of their entire reason for going into it. It shouldn't be about the fame and the money, but you know, it does seem to end up that way for a lot of people.

I too am curious to see what they decide about Russell.

I would be shocked if the Federation of International Cricketers Associations (FICA) would agree to a lifetime ban for a first offence. The other problem with a one and your done punishment is you could end up with a situation similar to Kusal Perera in which he was wrongfully suspended.

Oh, I agree--I'd be shocked too. Doesn't mean I don't think it's a good idea.

On the other hand, I definitely see your point. I can also imagine that there could start to be set-ups from other players or coaches who wanted a particular person out of commission. It would be come all too easy ...