3 star cricketers who were spotted smoking

Cricket is a sport which is widely followed, respected and loved by many people across the globe. Cricketers are respected and worshipped in many countries. If players represent their country - in any format of the game, aspiring cricketers and fans of the game look up to those players for inspiration.

As people who would be looked upon as role models by many youngsters following the game, especially for the fitness standards maintained by international cricketers, incidents of star cricketers spotted in public smoking or drinking is not something that is rare.

In a recent incident, Hardik Pandya was seen smoking in Mahendra Singh Dhoni's wife Sakshi's birthday party. Star cricketers getting spotted smoking in public is something that has happened in the past as well.

Here’s looking at the instances where star cricketers have been spotted smoking in public:

Ian Botham

One of the legendary all-rounders to have played the game, Ian Botham was known to be a smoker who never hid the habit. He was known to puff one before and sometimes even during the game.

Shane Warne

The Australian legend was known to have issues with fitness during his time with the team. Warne embraced the smoking culture and there were multiple occasions when he was spotted with a smoke in his hand.

Shane Warne’s flamboyance didn’t take away any of his skills. He believed in living life to the fullest and playing to his best abilities.

Chris Gayle

Chris Gayle is a gifted cricketer. No one can doubt his talent with the bat. He has enthralled audiences and continues to do so with his attacking style of batting. He's a complete entertainer who has redefined the art of six hitting, before even the advent of T20 cricket.

Chris Gayle is known to have been spotted smoking and drinking in public. Some might attribute it to the larger-than-life personality of the 'Universe Boss'