Former New Zealand pacer Doug Bracewell has been handed a 1-month ban from cricket after testing positive for cocaine, which is a banned substance. The 34-year-old reportedly used cocaine following a stellar performance in a domestic T20 match for Central Districts against Wellington in January 2024.
Bracewell was awarded with the Player of the Match award following his great spell of 2/21 and for an unbeaten knock of 30 runs from just 11 deliveries which helped his side cruise to a 6-wicket victory.
The Sport Integrity Commission confirmed that Bracewell’s cocaine use occurred outside competition and was unrelated to his performance in the match. He was first given a 3-month ban, but it was later reduced to a month after he successfully completed a treatment program.
“Athletes have a responsibility to set a positive example, especially for the tamariki and rangatahi who look up to them. Recreational drugs, including cocaine, are illegal and dangerous. Their use is a serious issue, and we are committed to addressing it with sports organizations and athletes,” Sports Integrity Commission chief Rebecca Rolls.
New Zealand Cricket (NZC) chief expressed disappointment on the ban, but also reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to support Bracewell.
“Doug accepts full responsibility for his error of judgment. We will continue to provide support for him as he moves forward, fully aware of our expectations,” the NZC Chief said.
Interestingly, Bracewell has had a history of drunk-driving convictions, beginning at 18 years old in 2008, with subsequent offenses in 2010 and 2017. Despite all the setbacks, the pacer managed to have a decent international career, making a total of 69 appearances for the Black Caps across the 3 formats and picking up 120 wickets.
One of if not Bracewell’s most prized scalp of his career came in the form of Sachin Tendulkar, who was clean-bowled by the Kiwi pacer during a Test match in Bengaluru. In the same innings, Bracewell also picked up the wicket of Virender Sehwag.
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