Doug Bracewell Suspended for One Month After Cocaine Test

Nov 18 – New Zealand cricketer Doug Bracewell has been handed a one-month suspension by the country’s Sports Tribunal after testing positive for cocaine and its metabolite, benzoylecgonine.

The ban, which was backdated to April 11, the date of his provisional suspension, means Bracewell is now eligible to play again. The suspension follows an adverse result from an in-competition drug test conducted during a Super Smash match on January 13 between Wellington Firebirds and Central Stags.

Bracewell admitted to using cocaine but maintained that the substance was consumed out-of-competition, prior to the match, and was unrelated to his sport performance. However, the Sport Integrity Commission rejected this claim, arguing that the use occurred during the competition period.

The suspension marks a setback for the 33-year-old seamer, but he is now free to return to play.