New Zealand’s all-rounder Doug Bracewell has been banned from cricket for 2 years for utilizing cocaine, after his admission of its use throughout Essex’s last County Championship match. On 24 April 2026, the Cricket Regulator ordered the ban. This will probably be his second conviction for cocaine.
Bracewell has represented New Zealand in 69 checks, one-day internationals and T20s. Bracewell’s final match for Essex got here in September 2025, during which he failed his check.
What Occurred Through the Essex vs Somerset Match
Essex known as up Bracewell for his or her last three 2025 County Championship video games. Considered one of which was towards Somerset at Chelmsford. He flung down the primary day and bowled out two wickets whereas Somerset made 339-6.
Bracewell took cocaine after the match day. On day two (25 September) his check was constructive.
He was not required to bat on day two. Essex gained the match by seven wickets.
Bracewell was knowledgeable by the Cricket Regulator in November 2025 in regards to the check. Bracewell replied on 8 December, saying he took cocaine after the primary day of the match and early within the second day.
Bracewell’s Historical past of Doping Violations
This was Bracewell’s second cocaine ban. Bracewell was banned for a month in 2024 for a constructive drug check whereas enjoying Tremendous Smash in New Zealand. He was representing the Central Stags when he performed the Wellington Firebirds.
That ban was brief. That is for much longer. It’s his second ban, due to this fact, the Cricket Regulator has imposed a two-year ban, which he has accepted.
There’s one wrinkle on this case. The choice was made as Bracewell was not taking part in cricket. He introduced his retirement on 28 December 2025, two months after discovering out about his constructive check. The Regulator nonetheless issued the ban.
Bracewell is from a well-known Kiwi cricket household. His uncle, John Bracewell, performed 28 Exams and was a coach. His cousin Michael Bracewell is within the New Zealand squad.
Essex Response and the Wider Influence
Essex has launched a brief assertion acknowledging the constructive check. It mentioned it respects the choice of the Cricket regulator and calls for excessive requirements from its gamers.
Essex won’t be penalised. It mentioned it’ll additionally rehabilitate Bracewell, as its coverage is.
Bracewell has represented on the elite stage since 2011 and up till 2023. He took 74 wickets in 28 Exams. In all first-class cricket, he claimed 422 wickets in 137 matches, revealing his long-term home bowling success.
He completed up with a constructive drug check, a two-year ban and retirement. The Cricket Regulator nonetheless handed him a ban, although he was not enjoying, which reveals the method is ongoing even after retirement.
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