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New Zealand pacer, Doug Bracewell had tested positive for cocaine use earlier this year and served a one-month ban.
Doug Bracewell last played for New Zealand in a Test against Sri Lanka in March 2023. (Image: AFP)
The New Zealand pacer, Doug Bracewell has served a one-month ban from the sport after having tested positive for the use of cocaine.
It is to be noted that the ban was a backdated one and he also received a reduced sentence since the Sports Integrity Commission Te Kahu Raunui saw that the drug was used before the tournament leading to his original three-month ban being reduced to just one, as per a report by Cricbuzz.
Another report by ESPNCricinfo had Bracewell’s statement which claimed, “(Bracewell) admitted using cocaine but maintained that his use occurred out-of-competition, being before midnight on the day before the match and that it was unrelated to sports performance”. The Sport Integrity Commission did not accept that and “contended that the use must have occurred in competition”.
The Kiwi international tested positive for the substance in January this year after a domestic T20 game between the Central Stags and Wellington. He has since completed a programme to address the issue. The suspension was backdated to April 2024, meaning the player has already served the ban and will now be allowed to play cricket again.
Bracewell has 69 appearances for the Black Caps across all three formats. He has played in 28 Tests, 21 ODIs and 20 T20Is for the country and last played in a Test against Sri Lanka in 2023 at Wellington. He has played one game in the Indian Premier League where he represented Delhi Daredevils (now renamed Delhi Capitals) in the Champions League T20 tournament in 2012 picking up three wickets.
He has represented the Central Districts throughout his domestic career and has recently opted out of a contract with the club to test the freelance market. Bracewell might not be in contention for a spot on the national side any more. With his best years behind him, he would now look to ply his trade in franchise cricket across the globe. He will now be expected to play in the Abu Dhabi T10 League, representing the New York Strikers and the SA20 where he would play for the Joburg Super Kings.
