“I had one cigarette in the West Indies”: When Shane Warne breached A$200,000 contract with a nicotine brand by smoking in 1999

The Legendary Australian spinner Shane Warne lived a life on the edge both on and off the field. Regarded as one of the best-ever spinners to ever play the game of cricket, the leg-spinner passed away last year in Thailand, and it was a big shock to everyone around the world.

Warne was a wicket-taker on the field and was surrounded by controversies outside. After his retirement, Warne was a regular figure in the commentary box and his game knowledge was regarded as one of the best in the world. He also was the first captain to win an IPL title.

Warne was certainly one of the popular figures in cricket, and that’s why he was one of the popular faces amongst the brands as well. In 1999, Warne signed a A$200,000 contract with Nicorette, makers of nicotine patches. Under the contract, Warne was required to quit cigarettes for 4 months.

When Shane Warne breached A$200,000 contract with a nicotine brand

It was well known that Warne was habitual of smoking before coming on the field as he believed that it removes his stress. Warne was also successful in fulfilling the deal, but he was caught smoking just five days before the period of his contract at the bar in Barbados during Australia’s West Indies tour.

Warne said that he was very disappointed over the event and said that it was way too difficult than he thought it will be. He said that he went for a night out with his mates after a disappointing West Indies series, and that’s why the temptation arrived.

‘It was the last night. Unfortunately, I gave in to the temptation. It was after the disappointing way that the tour finished. It was late at night when I had had a night out with the lads,” Shane Warne said as reported by The Age.

“I was very disappointed at having it and hopefully, I can still try to kick the habit. It’s been a bloody lot harder than I thought.”

The 1999 West Indies series was a difficult one for Warne as he was dropped by Steve Waugh from the last test of the series due to his poor performances. Warne was quite frustrated about the same, and he called Waugh, ‘one of the most selfish cricketers’.