Vaughan wants life-ban for drug cheats

London, Mar 3 (UNI) England captain Michael Vaughan today strongly advocated a life ban on cricketers found guilty of indulging in doping.

''If there's drugs been taken that have hugely affected your performance in a positive way I'd go for a ban for life.

''You don't want cheats in the game. You want people who are playing to (show) their talents, mental strength and the work they've done,'' Vaughan told BBC Five Live.

England chairman of selectors David Graveney also said the drug cheats should be dealt with a heavy hand.

''I agree with him in principle that people who are prepared to cut corners illegally to give themselves an advantage must face a very heavy penalty,'' he said.

International Cricket Council's (ICC) zero tolerance policy against drug cheats gained momentum this week after the World Cup organisers decided for target-testing players suspected of taking banned substances.

ICC chief executive Malcolm Speed said the game had been caused ''a high level of embarrassment'' by the doping controversy involving Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif.

Former Aussie skipper Alan Border has also welcomed that both the Pakistani pacers would not play in the quadrennial event.

UNI