Former Black Cap Doug Bracewell sanctioned for cocaine use

Former Black Caps cricketer Doug Bracewell has been sanctioned by the Sports Tribunal of New Zealand after testing positive for the use of cocaine.

A statement from the Sport Integrity Commission Te Kahu Raunui this afternoon said Bracewell tested positive for cocaine and its metabolite Benzoylecgonine (BZE) after a domestic T20 match in January, 2024.

The statement added: “it was accepted that he had used the cocaine out of competition and for reasons unrelated to sport performance”.

The rules provide for athletes to serve a reduced ban where the substance was used out of competition and unrelated to sport.

As such, Bracewell incurred a one-month sanction, backdated to April 11, 2024, and reduced from three months on the condition that he complete a treatment programme to address his substance use.

Bracewell, a fast-bowling allrounder, has completed the treatment programme, the statement said, so his sanction has been served and he is once again eligible to take part in sport.

Bracewell, 34, last played for New Zealand in March, 2023, when he was involved in a Test against Sri Lanka in Wellington.

His last first class game was for Central Districts in March this year.

New Zealand Cricket chief executive Scott Weenink said Bracewell had let himself down.

“NZ Cricket is committed to promoting safe and responsible behaviours and is frustrated at this latest turn of events," Weenink said.

“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 Player’s Association chief executive Heath Mills said: “As a professional cricketer, Doug knows the doping rules he is subject to. While in no way attempting to gain any performance enhancement, his decision has nevertheless resulted in him missing several playing opportunities whilst this matter has been dealt with, and it reflects poorly on our environment.

Doug Bracewell bowls against Australia in Hobart. (Source: Photosport)

“Since this positive test result, we have supported Doug through an appropriate counselling programme and have taken steps to remind all our members of the anti-doping rules and their associated obligations and responsibilities.”

Bracewell, the son of fellow New Zealand international Brendon, and nephew of John, a former Black Caps player and coach, shot to prominence in 2011 in Hobart when taking 9-60 in Hobart to lead New Zealand to their first Test win in Australia in 26 years. It was just his third Test.

He has played 28 Tests in total plus 21 ODIs and 20 T20 internationals.

Commission chief executive Rebecca Rolls said: “Athletes have a responsibility to set a positive example, especially for the tamariki and rangatahi who look up to them. Their actions, both on and off the field, influence the next generation of athletes, and it's essential that they act as role models by making healthy, responsible choices.

“Recreational drugs, including cocaine, are illegal and can pose a real threat to the health and safety of athletes and their teammates. 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.”