It is a common saying that ‘Life is all about the second chance.’ Every individual has the right to commit one mistake in his life, and the top officials should forgive him for his wrongdoings. The same thing goes to the cricket world. It is straightforward for any cricketer to fall trap to the bookies or opt for unethical ways of winning matches.
Depending on the type of crime that the cricketers committed, the respective cricket governing bodies have punished them. Many players have returned to the cricket field after receiving a ban. Here’s a list of the top five cricketers who made a triumphant return after a ban.
Shane Warne :
Australian spin wizard Shane Warne received a 12-months ban from international cricket in the year 2003. The leg-spinner tested positive for a banned substance. Hence, the Australian Cricket Board drugs panel handed him a year-long suspension. Warne made an emphatic return to cricket after the ban, bowling several great spells.
Marlon Samuels :
One of the fiercest rivals of Shane Warne, Marlon Samuels, had earned himself a 2-years betting-related ban in 2008. The Caribbean all-rounder’s career is full of controversies. However, the 2008 dispute was the biggest one of his career. Samuels learned from his past mistakes and dedicated the second phase of his career to West Indies Cricket. He played a crucial role in the team’s two T20 World Cup wins.
Shoaib Akhtar:
In 2008, Shoaib Akhtar received a ban of five years for publicly criticizing Pakistan Cricket Board. Everyone knows how outspoken he is, and because of his nature, he offended the top officials of PCB with his words. Two years before that controversy, Akhtar had tested positive for drugs. Nevertheless, he made a return to the cricket field and even represented Pakistan in the 2011 World Cup.
David Warner:
David Warner is a controversial cricketer who has grabbed the headlines for wrong reasons on multiple occasions. Cricket Australia had recently suspended him, along with ex-captain Steve Smith and fellow opener Cameron Bancroft, for their alleged involvement in the infamous ball-tampering scandal. Despite staying away from the cricket field for a year, Warner returned to the ground as if nothing happened. He scored runs consistently for his nation and other teams.
Steve Smith:
Another victim of the infamous scandal, Steve Smith, lost his captaincy after the ban. Like Warner, he had to stay away from international cricket for 12 months. However, he came back even more robust with some match-winning performances for Australia. His batting performances helped Australia reach the semifinals of the 2019 World Cup.
