The New Zealand Sports Tribunal has handed Doug Bracewell, the seamer, a one-month ban after he tested positive for cocaine. The suspension stems from an “adverse analytical finding” during an in-competition test conducted on January 13 at the Super Smash match between Wellington Firebirds and Central Stags in Wellington.
The Sports Tribunal provisionally suspended Bracewell on April 11 after the test results. He admitted using cocaine but claimed he used it outside competition hours, before midnight on the day of the match, and not for performance enhancement. However, the Sport Integrity Commission disagreed, arguing that the use occurred in-competition.
After both the Commission and Bracewell presented expert evidence, the tribunal scheduled a hearing for December. However, on November 11, the Commission filed a joint memorandum acknowledging that Bracewell’s version of events was likely correct. The parties agreed on a revised sanction of a three-month suspension, later reduced to one month after Bracewell completed an approved Substance Abuse treatment program.
The tribunal backdated Bracewell’s ban to April 11, the date of his provisional suspension. The 34-year-old fast bowler has played 28 Tests, 21 ODIs, and 20 T20Is for New Zealand since making his debut in 2011. He last represented the national team in March 2023 against Sri Lanka. Bracewell has been a consistent performer in domestic cricket for Central Districts and recently decided to freelance, opting out of a contract with the club. He is expected to return to action at the Abu Dhabi T20 League with the New York Strikers and later join the SA20 with Joburg Super Kings.
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