New Zealand's Bracewell banned for cocaine use after stellar T20 performance

Former New Zealand cricketer Doug Bracewell has been handed a one-month ban from cricket after testing positive for cocaine. The Sports Tribunal of New Zealand confirmed the sanction following a positive test for cocaine and its metabolite benzoylecgonine (BZE) after a T20 match in January 2024.

The incident took place during a T20 match between Central Districts and Wellington, where Doug Bracewell played a key role in his team's six-wicket victory. The Central Districts’ fast bowler was named man of the match after an exceptional all-around display, taking 2/21 with the ball, smashing 30* runs off just 11 balls, and taking two catches against Wellington.

Doug Bracewell banned for one month following a cocaine violation

The Sports Integrity Commission Te Kahu Raunui made it clear that the drug use occurred outside of competition and was no connection to the 34-year-old pacer’s performance in the domestic game.

The statement from the Sports Tribunal of New Zealand reads: “It was accepted that he had used the cocaine out of competition and for reasons unrelated to sport performance.”

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Well, Doug Bracewell was initially handed a three-month ban, which was reduced to one month after successfully completing a treatment program. Since the sanction was backdated to April 2024, Bracewell has already served his suspension and is now eligible to return to cricket immediately.

We'll continue to provide support for Doug Bracewell: New Zealand Cricket (NZC)

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) chief executive officer Scott Weenink said that Bracewell had “let himself down,” but they will support him. Weenink stated, “NZ Cricket is committed to promoting safe and responsible behaviors and is frustrated at this latest turn of events. Doug accepts full responsibility for his error of judgment, the consequences of his behavior, and the penalty imposed. As an organization, we will continue to provide support for Doug, who is fully aware of our expectations moving forward.”

Meanwhile, New Zealand Cricket Player’s Association chief executive Heath Mills stated: “As a professional cricketer, Doug knows the doping rules he is subject to. While in no way attempting to gain any performance enhancement, his decision has nevertheless resulted in him missing several playing opportunities whilst this matter has been dealt with, and it reflects poorly on our environment.

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Mills further added, “Since this positive test result, we have supported Doug through an appropriate counselling programme and have taken steps to remind all our members of the anti-doping rules and their associated obligations and responsibilities.”

Brief history of legal troubles Doug Bracewell faced in his career

Notably, the Kiwi star has faced legal troubles in the past related to drink-driving incidents. In 2017, the Kiwi pacer was sentenced to 100 hours of community service and had his driver’s license revoked for a year after being caught driving with a breath-alcohol level of 783 mcg, significantly above the legal limit of 250 mcg.

The incident occurred on East Rd in Haumoana, Hawke’s Bay. This wasn’t his first offense, as Bracewell had been convicted in 2010 at the age of 20 for driving with excess breath alcohol. For that incident, he was sentenced to six months of supervision and an eight-month driving disqualification.

Despite challenges off the field, he has represented New Zealand in 28 Tests, 21 ODIs, and 20 T20Is since his international debut in 2011. He last played for New Zealand in 2023 against Sri Lanka.