Doug Bracewell Banned for One Month After Testing Positive for Cocaine
In Short
- Doug Bracewell received a one-month ban for testing positive for cocaine after a domestic T20 match in January 2024.
- The ban was reduced from three months after Bracewell completed a treatment program, with the suspension backdated to April 2024.
- New Zealand Cricket expressed disappointment but pledged continued support for Bracewell moving forward.
- Bracewell has a history of off-field issues, including multiple drunk-driving convictions, but has had a successful international cricket career.
Doug Bracewell, a former New Zealand cricketer, was banned for one month after testing positive for cocaine. The 34-year-old pacer was tested after a great performance in a domestic T20 match for Central Districts. He had been named Player of the Match after taking 2 wickets and scoring 30 runs.
The New Zealand Sport Integrity Commission initially gave him a three-month ban. But the ban was reduced to one month after Bracewell completed a treatment program. The ban was backdated to April 2024, so he can now return to cricket.
New Zealand Cricket expressed disappointment but said they would continue to support Bracewell. NZC chief Scott Weenink said Bracewell had made a bad decision but would be helped moving forward. Bracewell has taken full responsibility for his actions.
Bracewell has faced other personal issues in the past. He has several drunk-driving convictions, starting when he was 18 years old. Despite this, he has had a solid career, playing 28 Tests, 21 ODIs, and 20 T20Is for New Zealand.
One of his best moments came when he bowled out Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag in a Test match. Although his off-field problems have often made headlines, Bracewell still managed to achieve success in his cricket career.
