#1) Mohammad Asif
Around 2006, Mohammad Asif emerged as a cricketing prodigy, but by 2010, his name had become synonymous with controversy. Celebrated for his impeccable line, length, and remarkable swing, Asif’s potential to become a Pakistani bowling legend was undeniable. However, his journey to greatness was derailed by a series of controversies that marred his reputation.
Joined by fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar, Asif found himself at the heart of the notorious 2006 drug scandal that rattled Pakistan Cricket. Accusations of utilizing performance-enhancing drugs for enhanced bowling prowess led to Asif’s one-year ban from organized cricket, a blow to his promising career. In 2008, Asif tested positive for steroids during the inaugural IPL, resulting in his suspension for the following season.
Yet, these incidents paled in comparison to the seismic match-fixing scandal of 2010. Asif, along with fellow bowler Mohammad Amir, faced charges of accepting money from bookmakers and deliberately delivering no-balls to influence matches. The International Cricket Council (ICC) intervened, imposing suspensions ranging from 5 to 10 years on the trio, including captain Salman Butt. Legal ramifications followed, with London police involvement leading to Asif’s one-year imprisonment.
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