Former New Zealand pacer Doug Bracewell received a one-month ban earlier this year after testing positive for cocaine. The New Zealand Sport Integrity Commission publicly released details of the ban on Monday.
The 34-year-old, who has played 28 Test matches for New Zealand, failed the drug test following a domestic Twenty20 game between Central Districts and Wellington in January, where he was named Player of the Match.
Initially, the Commission imposed a three-month suspension, but this was reduced to one month after Bracewell completed a treatment program.
The ban was retroactively applied, starting in April, allowing him to resume playing cricket. The Commission stated, “It was accepted that he had used the cocaine out of competition and for reasons unrelated to sport performance.”
New Zealand Cricket chief executive Scott Weenink expressed disappointment in Bracewell’s actions, saying, “Doug accepts full responsibility for his error of judgement, the consequences of his behavior and the penalty imposed. As an organization we will continue to provide support for Doug who is fully aware of our expectations moving forward.”
Bracewell’s cricketing achievements include a memorable Test debut against Zimbabwe in 2011, where he took five wickets in an innings. Later that year, he played a key role in New Zealand’s win over Australia in Hobart, with figures of 6-40.
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Name of Author: Cricexec Staff
