New Zealand pacer Doug Bracewell tests positive for cocaine use, suspended for one month

Doug Bracewell has taken 120 international wickets for New Zealand.

New Zealand pacer Doug Bracewell has been handed a one-month suspension by the country’s Sports Tribunal after a positive test for cocaine. The test was conducted on a sample taken on January 13 at the Super Smash match between Wellington Firebirds and Central Stags in Wellington.

The 34-year-old Kiwi all-rounder was provisionally suspended on April 11, 2024, after the finding came to light.

Bracewell has maintained that his usage took place out-of-competition before the match and was unrelated to cricket. However, the Sports Integrity Commission deemed that his cocaine use occurred during the competition period and could be linked to performance enhancement.

Doug Bracewell undergoes rehabilitation

In their statement, the Sports Tribunal confirmed Bracewell’s acceptance to using cocaine but highlighted that “his use occurred out-of-competition, being prior to midnight on the day before the match, and that it was unrelated to sport performance”.

As part of redemption, Bracewell has undergone a Substance Abuse treatment program which has led to a reduction of punishment from three months to one month. His suspension was backdated to April 11, allowing him to resume professional cricket.

Bracewell represented New Zealand for over a decade in international cricket. The right-handed all-rounder has featured in 28 tests, 21 ODIs and 20 T20Is. He has taken a total of 120 wickets including two test five wicket halls. He has also scored over a thousand runs in international cricket with the help of one half-century. Bracewell last represented New Zealand in a test match against Sri Lanka at Wellington in 2023.

Doug Bracewell recently opted out of a contract with his club to become a freelancer. He is next expected to be in action at the Abu Dhabi T20 league, where he is a part of the New York Strikers.

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