Bracewell handed two-year ban after testing positive for cocaine

New Zealand all-rounder Doug Bracewell has been handed a two-year ban after testing positive for cocaine during a match in county cricket, with the sanction taking effect despite his earlier retirement from professional cricket.

The incident dates back to September 25, 2025, when Bracewell was playing for Essex against Somerset in Chelmsford. A doping test conducted during the match found traces of the prohibited substance in his sample. The 35-year-old later admitted to consuming cocaine in the early hours between the first and second day of play.

Following the positive test result, Bracewell announced his retirement on December 28, 2025. However, the move did not exempt him from disciplinary action, with England’s cricket authorities proceeding under anti-doping regulations.

The ban has been backdated to November 24, 2025, and will remain in place until November 23, 2027. It applies to all forms of cricket, both domestic and international.

This is not Bracewell’s first doping offence. In 2024, he was also sidelined for a month after testing positive for cocaine during New Zealand’s domestic Super Smash tournament, raising fresh concerns over repeated violations.