Doug Bracewell, a former international cricketer from New Zealand, has received a two-year ban after testing positive for cocaine prior to announcing his retirement from all forms of cricket last year, as reported by England’s Cricket Regulator on Friday.
The 35-year-old all-rounder ended his cricketing career in December, finishing up with Essex in England. Over his career, he represented New Zealand in 69 matches across all formats, including 28 Test matches.
Bracewell’s positive test occurred on September 25, 2025, while he was competing for Essex against Somerset in Chelmsford.
He acknowledged using cocaine after the first day of the match and in the early hours before the start of the second day.
Cocaine is listed as a prohibited substance under the England and Wales Cricket Board’s (ECB) anti-doping regulations.
Doug Bracewell of New Zealand bowls during the third and final one-day international match between New Zealand and the Netherlands at Seddon Park on April 4, 2022, in Hamilton, New Zealand. (Photo: Fiona Goodall/Getty Images) Getty
Essex released a statement confirming that Bracewell had failed a drug test.
“Although the Club does not endorse Bracewell’s actions, we are dedicated to supporting him through rehabilitation according to our policies and procedures,” Essex added.
Previously, Bracewell faced a sanction in New Zealand in 2024 after testing positive for cocaine following a domestic Twenty20 match, resulting in a one-month suspension after he completed a substance abuse treatment programme.
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