Doug Bracewell Receives Two-Year Ban for Cocaine Use During Match
Former Test cricketer punished after retirement with 2-year ban; he had used ‘cocaine’ during a game
Hindustan TimesImage: Hindustan Times
Former New Zealand cricketer Doug Bracewell has been banned for two years after admitting to using cocaine during a county championship match in September 2025. Despite his retirement from international cricket, the ban will affect his eligibility to play professionally.
- 01Doug Bracewell admitted to using cocaine during a September 2025 match.
- 02He received a two-year ban despite retiring from international cricket.
- 03Bracewell previously served a one-month ban for a similar offense in 2024.
- 04He played 28 Tests, 21 ODIs, and 20 T20Is for New Zealand from 2011 to 2023.
- 05Bracewell comes from a distinguished cricketing family, with multiple relatives having played for New Zealand.
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Doug Bracewell, a former New Zealand fast-bowling allrounder, has been handed a two-year ban after admitting to using cocaine during a county championship match for Essex against Somerset in September 2025. Despite his retirement from international cricket announced in December 2025, the ban will prevent him from participating in any professional matches. Bracewell had tested positive for the drug on September 25, after taking two wickets on the first day of the match. This is not his first offense; he previously served a one-month ban for a similar violation in 2024. The Essex cricket club has stated their support for the decision made by the Cricket Regulator, emphasizing the importance of maintaining high standards of professional conduct. Throughout his career, Bracewell represented New Zealand in 28 Tests, 21 One Day Internationals (ODIs), and 20 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), taking over 100 wickets and scoring nearly 1000 runs. He hails from a cricketing family, with his father and uncle also having played for New Zealand.
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This ban affects Bracewell's ability to play professional cricket, impacting his career and potentially influencing young cricketers in New Zealand.
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