Doug Bracewell incurred a 1-month ban after testing positive for cocaine

New Zealand pacer Doug Bracewell was handed a one-month ban from cricket after testing positive for cocaine. The 34-year-old was tested after a Super Smash contest between the Central Districts and Wellington in January 2024. He was named 'Player of the Match' for his 11-ball 30-run cameo, a spell of 2-21, and a couple of catches in the six-wicket win for the Central Districts.

Bracewell was initially handed a three-month ban, backdated to April 2024, but the sentence was reduced to one month, provided that he completed a treatment program.

According to a statement by the Sport Integrity Commission, Bracewell's use of the banned substance came outside of the competition. As a result, it is established that the player was not using the substance as a performance-enhancing drug.

“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," New Zealand Cricket chief executive Scott Weenink said via The New Zealand Herald.

“It’s not always known what’s in these substances or their strength, which makes them unpredictable and dangerous. Their use is a serious issue at all levels of sport and recreation, and we want to work with both sports organisations and athletes to tackle this problem," Sport Integrity Commission chief executive Rebecca Rolls said.

Bracewell has completed the one-month ban after completing the treatment program and is eligible to play again.

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Doug Bracewell last played for New Zealand in 2023

The player had burst into the scene for New Zealand across formats in 2011 and was marked for big things. However, he could not live up to the expectations as he made limited on-and-off appearances for the senior team.

He last played white-ball cricket for New Zealand in 2022, while his last appearance in national colors came during the home Test series against Sri Lanka in early 2023.

The Kiwi has not played competitive cricket since March 2024, when he turned up for the Central Districts in a Plunket Shield Clash against Auckland.