Former Black Cap Doug Bracewell banned for one month for cocaine use

Doug Bracewell has returned to playing cricket after being suspended for drug use.
Photograph: photography sport

Former Black Cap Doug Bracewell was handed a one-month ban from cricket earlier this year after testing positive for cocaine.

Bracewell, 34, tested positive for cocaine after playing a T20 match for Central Districts in January, the Sporting Integrity Commission said in a statement.

In the statement, it was stated that “it was accepted that he used cocaine out of competition and for reasons unrelated to sports performance.”

Cocaine is banned in sports in the category of substances of abuse under sports anti-doping rules.

Bracewell was given a one-month suspension, reduced from three months, extending to April 11, 2024, on the condition that he complete a substance use treatment program.

Bracewell had completed the program and served his suspension, meaning he can continue playing.

New Zealand Cricket Chief Executive Scott Weenink said he was disappointed in Bracewell and NZC was “disappointed by these recent events”.

“Doug accepts full responsibility for his error in judgment, the consequences of his behavior, and the sentence imposed.

“We will continue to provide support to Doug, fully aware of our expectations going forward as an organization,” Weenink said.

New Zealand Cricketers’ Association chief executive Heath Mills said: “While he was in no way trying to achieve any performance improvements, this decision has resulted in him missing out on many playing opportunities while this matter is being addressed and this reflects badly on our environment.”

NZC chief executive Scott Weenink is “disappointed” by the latest off-field issue with Doug Bracewell.
Photograph: Alan Lee

Rebecca Rolls, chair of the Sports Integrity Commission, called on athletes to act responsibly and be mindful of their impact on others.

“Athletes have a responsibility to set a positive example… their behavior both on and off the field impacts future generations of athletes and it is crucial that they act as role models by making healthy, responsible choices.

“Recreational drugs, including cocaine, are illegal and can pose a real threat to the health and safety of athletes and their teammates. It is not always known what is in these substances or what their potency is, making them unpredictable and dangerous.”

Bracewell played 28 tests for New Zealand, 21 ODIs and 20 T20 internationals.

His last international match was a test against Sri Lanka in 2023.

Bracewell has a history of off-field problems, including drunk driving convictions.

Inside He was sentenced in 2017 After driving more than three times the legal limit, he will be sentenced to 100 hours of community work and will be disqualified from driving for 12 months.

In 2010, when Bracewell was 20, he was convicted of drink driving and sentenced to six months’ supervision and disqualified from driving for eight months.

He was first convicted of drink driving in 2008, fined $500 and banned from driving for six months.

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