Atherton no balls May's drug abuse concerns
Former England captain has rubbished Tim May's concerns about drug abuse by cricketers but agreed with his complaint about ICC not putting a cap on the upper limit for matches.
Former England captain Mike Atherton has rubbished Tim May's concerns about drug abuse by cricketers but agreed with his complaint about ICC not putting a cap on the upper limit for matches.
"Given that international players are routinely drug-tested, it would be a foolish player indeed who sought to prove the validity of May's argument. Shane Warne, banned from the last World Cup after failing a drugs test, should know," Atherton said.
"Where May would seem to have a legitimate complaint is that the Future Tours Programme does not prevent administrators organising spurious one-day money-making tournaments on top of the officially sanctioned games," he said in his column in 'The Telegraph'.
Atherton, who was reacting after May, head of the international players' union touched the subject again early this week, however, said England players could not complain of burnout in the present scenario.
"On this issue, England's administrators lead the world. England's cricketers are currently among the best remunerated and, now that they are no longer burdened by county cricket, among the most well rested.
"Neither of the two most pressing current issues - bad one-day form and injuries - can be realistically attributed to the fixture list.
"No need for stamina-inducing drugs, then. If anyone knows of a drug that can help bowlers bowl straight, however..." he quipped.
Get Current Updates on India News, Election 2024, Mukhtar Ansari Death News Live, Bihar Board 10th Result 2024 Live along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.