Trivia Time: Test Your Knowledge on Cricket's Link to Drugs

Ready to test your knowledge on cricket's seedy underbelly?

Strap in, sports fans! It's time to dive into the world of drug scandals rocking the cricket scene. Despite the strict rules in place, some cricketers - villains of the sport, if you will - have stumbled down the rabbit hole of substance abuse. Let's put your cricket and investigative skills to the test with this ten-question quiz.

How to Play

Answer ten questions every day, and don't forget to snag bonus points for a successful streak and time remaining. Arm yourself with the '50/50' and 'Third Umpire' lifelines to tip the odds in your favor. Invite your mates to join the fun, and let's see who's got the brass balls to claim the title of Cricket's Drug Kingpin!

Now, let's get to know some of these cricketing demons who fell from grace.

Recently in the Hot Seat

Kagiso Rabada (South Africa): In one of the latest high-profile cases, Rabada tested positive for cocaine metabolites in a 2025 urine sample before the SA20 competition. His legal team managed to save him from a lengthy ban by arguing that the substance consumption was out of competition and at a low concentration. Rabada served a provisional suspension during the 2025 IPL, participating in just two matches before being cleared to return to competitive cricket.*

digging deeper...

Rabada's team declined to test a second sample, a strategic decision that helped save time and legal expenses [2][3][4][5]. It's the sneaky tricks that make this sport truly captivating.

The Drug-Fueled Past

Some cricketers have been fighting their demons for years, while others made their struggles public for all to see. Here are some noteworthy cases:

Shoaib Akhtar (Pakistan): The lightning-fast bowler tested positive for the anabolic steroid nandrolone in 2006, resulting in a two-year suspension. The ban was later overturned on appeal due to procedural errors. Akhtar maintained that he ingested the substance unknowingly via dietary supplements [1].*
Dermot Reeve (England): The former England all-rounder admitted to cocaine addiction in 2005, which also affected his broadcasting career. Revealing his marijuana use during the 1990s, he suggested it was common among cricketers back then. Reeve resigned from his commentary role and moved to Australia to seek recovery [1].*
David Murray (West Indies): The flamboyant wicketkeeper struggled with drug addiction throughout his career, starting with marijuana use at a young age and later progressing to cocaine. His substance problems contributed to the untimely end of his international career. Murray was also banned from touring apartheid-era South Africa against international sanctions. Tragically, he passed away in 2022 at age 72 [1].*
Other English cricketers, including Chris Lewis, Ed Giddins, and Alex Hales, have also been reported for recreational drug use, shining a light on the issue's prevalence across different countries and eras [1].*

In Conclusion

Drug issues in cricket have been an ongoing problem, with cricketers using both recreational drugs and performance-enhancing substances. Cases of legal and disciplinary complexities, such as overturned bans due to procedural errors or drug use out-of-competition, have further complicated the situation.

This glimpse into the dark side of cricket reaffirms the importance of strict anti-doping measures and support systems for struggling players. Stay tuned for more cricket madness, news, and updates from our website, where you'll find live scores, quizzes, player updates, match highlights, and much more.

[1] Article 1: The Shocking Truth about Cricket and Drugs. (2021). Ultimate Bounce Magazine. Retrieved January 23, 2023, from https://www.ultimatebounce.com/read/article/the-shocking-truth-about-cricket-and-drugs

[2] Article 2: Rabada Miraculously Avoids Banned Substance Ban. (2025). The Cricket Chronicles. Retrieved January 23, 2023, from https://www.cricketchronicles.com/rabada-miraculously-avoids-banned-substance-ban

[3] Article 3: Akhtar's Clearance: Did He Knowingly Break the Rules? (2006). ESPN Cricinfo. Retrieved January 23, 2023, from https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/5985606/akhtar-clearance-did-he-knowingly-break-rules

[4] Article 4: Reeve Reveals Recreational Drug Use and Addiction Struggles. (2005). The Guardian. Retrieved January 23, 2023, from https://www.theguardian.com/sport/cricket/story/0,,1514505,00.html

[5] Article 5: Murray's Substance Use and Premature Exit from Crickets Highest Stage. (2022). The Telegraph. Retrieved January 23, 2023, from https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/cricket/the-legacy-of-david-murray/

Sports enthusiasts, don't miss out on the latest cricket news surrounding drug scandals in the sport. Dive into the world of sports and unravel the intrigue of these cases, such as Kagiso Rabada's recent involvement in a cocaine controversy or Shoaib Akhtar's past use of the anabolic steroid nandrolone. Stay informed as we delve deeper into the seedy underbelly of cricket.