The Untold Stories of Alcoholic Cricketers
Cricket enjoys an immense fan following, and cricketers are often idolized as celebrities. Known as the gentleman’s game, cricket demands discipline and focus on the field. However, there have been some players whose careers were significantly affected by alcohol addiction. One even managed to score a century while intoxicated. Let’s take a look at some cricketers who struggled with alcohol and how it impacted their careers.
1. Herschelle Gibbs – The Drunken Century
The first name on this list is South African cricketer Herschelle Gibbs. On March 12, 2006, he played a historic knock against Australia, scoring 175 runs off 111 balls while chasing a mammoth target of 435 runs. This performance helped his team secure an incredible victory, earning him the Player of the Match title.
In his autobiography, To the Point: The No Holds Barred, Gibbs admitted that he was intoxicated during that match. He wrote, “I had consumed a lot of alcohol the night before the game against Australia. Even by the morning, the effects hadn’t worn off, and I played that match while still under the influence.”
2. Andrew Symonds – The Hard-Hitting All-Rounder
The late Australian cricketer Andrew Symonds was known for his explosive batting and all-round skills. However, he also battled alcohol addiction. He himself confessed to having a high tolerance for alcohol and admitted that he could drink an entire bottle without much effect. Despite his cricketing brilliance, his off-field behavior and alcohol habits led to controversies and disciplinary actions.
3. Vinod Kambli – A Talent Wasted
Vinod Kambli, a close friend and former teammate of cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar, also had issues with alcohol. He gained widespread fame for scoring a double century against England in a Test match in 1993 at the young age of 21. However, despite his early promise, Kambli’s career was short-lived. He has publicly admitted multiple times that alcohol addiction played a significant role in his downfall.
4. Jesse Ryder – From Stardom to Struggles
Jesse Ryder, the aggressive batsman from New Zealand, also faced serious struggles with alcohol. His drinking habits affected his career, pushing him away from his true potential. In 2013, he was brutally attacked and remained in a coma for several days. After recovering, he made a comeback and even scored a century, but he couldn’t overcome his addiction, which ultimately led to an abrupt decline in his cricketing career.
5. James Faulkner – A Star Faded Too Soon
James Faulkner, one of Australia’s finest all-rounders and a specialist in death-over bowling, was also affected by alcohol-related issues. In 2015, he was caught driving under the influence, which led to severe consequences. Following this incident, Cricket Australia imposed restrictions on him, and he gradually lost his place in the national team. Despite his exceptional skills, alcohol played a role in his fall from prominence.
The Price of Addiction in Cricket
These stories highlight how even the most talented cricketers can suffer the consequences of alcohol addiction. While some managed to make comebacks, others saw their careers fade away. Their experiences serve as a reminder that discipline and focus are just as important as talent in sustaining a successful career in sports.
