New Zealand's 35-Year-Old Great Suspended From Cricket For Two Years

Doug Bracewell suspended for two years [Source: AFP]

In the game of cricket, players can get suspended for various reasons, which include violating the Code of Conduct, getting into a physical altercation with teammate/opposition players, and sometimes, the cricketers may face harsh consequences if they get involved in activities that harm themselves.

Taking drugs, or banned substances in cricket, is forbidden, and the ICC and other regulatory bodies have made laws pertaining to this. In the past, it has been observed that several players take banned substances, which have been barred by the governing body (ICC).

In a recent development, news broke out from the English County Championship that one of the former New Zealand player tested positive for a cocaine test, and this jolted the entire tournament.

NZ great Doug Bracewell banned by ECB

Former New Zealand pacer, Doug Bracewell, has been punished by the ECB, as he was suspended for two years after returning a positive cocaine test during last year’s County season.

The samples were collected during the 2025 County Championship game between Essex and Somerset, and as per the test conducted at a WADA-accredited laboratory in London, the result was positive, and the substances used were prohibited under the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) code.

Bracewell admitted to using cocaine on the evening of September 24, the day the match began, and he also used it on the following day (September 25).

The charge, brought under Articles 2.1 and 2.2 of the ECB’s Anti-Doping Rules, covered both the presence and use of a prohibited substance.

With the pacer accepting the use of the banned substance, the proceedings were closed without any hearing, and his ban will last till November 23, 2027.

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Cricket Regulator releases official statement on Bracewell's two year ban

In the matter of the Anti-Doping rule violation by the former Kiwi cricketer, Bracewell, Cricket Regulator confirmed that the substance used was unrelated to sporting performances. The regulator also jotted down pointers as to how the decision was imposed on the cricketer.

1. The Cricketer underwent an In Competition Doping Control test on 25 September 2025 as part of his participation in the Rothesay County Championship Division 1 match between Essex and Somerset in Chelmsford, Essex. The Cricket Regulator, a body within the ECB, has authority for Results Management of alleged ADR violations.
2. The Cricketer’s urine sample was sent to the WADA-accredited Laboratory in King’s College London for analysis and returned Adverse Analytical Findings (“AAF”) for cocaine and its metabolite benzoylecgonine. 
3. Cocaine is listed under section S.6A of the 2025 WADA Prohibited List as a Stimulant. It is a non-Specified Substance that is prohibited In-Competition only. Cocaine is also specifically identified as a Substance of Abuse in the 2025 WADA Prohibited List.

Bracewell's New Zealand journey at a glance

The 35-year-old fast bowler was one of the most talented pacers to have played for his nation. He made his international debut in 2011, and in his third Test, the fast bowler scalped 9 for 60 to help the Kiwis beat Australia for the first time in 26 years (Down Under).

However, despite boasting immense potential, Bracewell couldn’t capitalise on his dream Hobart spell as his career wound down quickly. He went on to represent New Zealand in 28 Tests, 21 ODIs, and 20 T20I games, taking 74, 26, and 20 wickets respectively.

His last outing for the Kiwis dates back to 2023, when the pacer played a Test match against Sri Lanka in Wellington.

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