Hayden opposes zero tolerance on drugs

Matthew Hayden has urged Cricket Australia not to adopt a zero-tolerance approach on drugs because he believes the issue needs flexibility. The board is set to announce a new policy and Hayden, who is strongly opposed to drugs in sport, would welcome a "two strikes" rule that would give players one chance at rehabilitation.

"I don't think you can have a zero-tolerance policy on drugs because it's not as black and white as that,'' Hayden told the Daily Telegraph. "For example, what sort of drugs? Shane Warne was hit with a drugs charge but it was nothing more than a diuretic. Is that the same as Shoaib Akhtar getting caught out with steroids in his system?

"There has to be flexibility. When drugs stuff goes public, like Shane went public, he is considered a drug cheat. It is a debate on a human life. I don't think zero tolerance is the way to go.

"The No. 1 aim is to eliminate drugs within any sporting code. As a part of that you have to look at the individual and help them become rehabilitated the most effective and the quickest possible way.''