Former New Zealand pacer Doug Bracewell slapped with one-month ban for cocaine use

Former New Zealand pacer Doug Bracewell was slapped with a one-month ban by the country's Sports Tribunal for "the presence and use" of cocaine and its metabolite benzoylecgonine. 

Bracewell tested positive for cocaine and its metabolite Benzoylecgonine (BZE) after a Super Smash domestic T20 fixture featuring Central Stags and Wellington Firebirds in January. As per a statement from the Sport Integrity Commission, it was accepted that he had used the cocaine out of competition and for reasons that were not related to sports performance.

However, Cocaine is banned in sports under the Substances of Abuse category per the Sports Anti-Doping Rules. Bracewell, therefore, incurred a one-month sanction from the Sports Tribunal, backdated to April 11 and reduced from three months on the condition that he completed a treatment programme to attend to his substance use. He did that and he is now eligible to play once again.

New Zealand Cricket (NCZ) chief executive Scott Weenink asserted that the 34-year-old fast bowler had accepted his flawed decision of using the banned substance and the ban imposed as well.

“NZC is committed to promoting safe and responsible behaviours and is frustrated at this latest turn of events. Doug accepts full responsibility for his error of judgement; the consequences of his behaviour, and the penalty imposed. As an organisation, we will continue to provide support for Doug – who is fully aware of our expectations moving forward," Weenink was quoted as saying by Stuff.

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Support on road to comeback

New Zealand Cricket Players’ Association chief executive Heath Mills said that Bracewell is aware of the doping rules and the error in his decision has led to him missing out on quite a few games. Mills also asserted that the organisation has helped Bracewell through a counselling programme and reminded its members about the implications of substance abuse.

“As a professional cricketer, Doug knows the doping rules he is subject to. While in no way attempting to gain any performance enhancement, his decision has nevertheless resulted in him missing several playing opportunities whilst this matter has been dealt with, and it reflects poorly on our environment. Since this positive test result, we have supported Doug through an appropriate counselling programme and have taken steps to remind all our members of the anti-doping rules and their associated obligations and responsibilities," Mills said.

Bracewell has played 28 Tests, 21 ODIs, and 20 T20Is for New Zealand. He has picked up 74, 26, and 20 wickets in the three formats, respectively. He also played a solitary game for the Delhi Capitals in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2012. Bracewell made his last international appearance during a Test match between the Kiwis and Sri Lanka in Basin Reserve in March 2023. The Tauranga-born will want to learn from his mistakes and bounce back strongly with solid performances on the field.