Doug Bracewell, a former fast bowler from New Zealand was banned from cricket for a month after his cocaine test, the cricket board announced. The 34-year-old made his test on January 2024 after an impressive display in a domestic T20 match for Central Districts against Wellington as he took 2/21, hit an unbeaten 30 off 11 balls and caught two balls, as he took man-of-the match award home while his team went on to win a dominating six-wicket victory.
One-Month Ban For Bracewell
According to (Te Kahu Raunui) Sport Integrity Commission, Bracewell reported cocaine use, outside competition, meaning no relation to performance on-field. Initially, the ban was three months, but was reduced to one month after his completion of a treatment programme. A suspension backdated to April 2024 means that Bracewell has served his ban and is free to play cricket again.
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Sport Integrity Commission chief executive Rebecca Rolls said that “Athletes have a responsibility to set a positive example, especially for the tamariki and rangatahi who look up to them,” she said. “Recreational drugs, including cocaine, are illegal and dangerous. Their use is a serious issue, and we are committed to addressing it with sports organizations and athletes.”
The Ongoing Struggles Of Bracewell
New Zealand Cricket have been distressed by the incident and have restated their support for Bracewell as he works through personal challenges. Bracewell has faced off-field issues before, so this is not his first time to face such matters. The fast bowler has a history of drink-driving convictions, dating back to 2008 with additional offenses in 2010 and 2017. In one of the most infamous incidents Bracewell was involved in drink-driving when he heard that dogs had killed his pet cockatoo; he faced massive public and legal backlash.
Apart from all his off-field struggles, Bracewell has had a good cricketing career. Representing New Zealand in 28 Test, 21 ODI, and 20 T20 matches since making his international debut in 2011.
