Cricket star admits to taking cocaine after first day of match as two-year ban issued

Former New Zealand cricketer Doug Bracewell has been handed a two-year ban after admitting to using cocaine after a day's play.

The 35-year-old all-rounder returned a positive test and its metabolite, benzoylecgonine, in an in‑competition sample collected on September 25 ​last year.

The England and Wales ‌Cricket ⁠Board’s (ECB) anti-doping regulations state that cocaine is a prohibited substance.

Bracewell, who played 69 times ​for New Zealand across different formats, signed for Essex in August for the final three Championship matches of the season.

The all-rounder had previously played for Essex in 2023 and his return to the club was intended to boost their bowling attack for the final matches.

However, it has now been revealed that he returned the positive test on the second day of the match against Somerset at Chelmsford.

In November, Bracewell was notified of the result by the Cricket Regulator and one month later he responded, admitting that he had used cocaine after the first day, into the early hours of the morning.

The New Zealander had opened the bowling on day one but was was not required to bat on day two, with Essex going on to win the match by seven wickets.

Following his response to the positive test, Bracewell confirmed that he was retiring from all forms of cricket, but he has still been issued with a two-year ban.

"Essex can confirm that Doug Bracewell failed a routine drugs test in September 2025," said a club statement.

"The club supports the Cricket Regulator's decision to impose a period of ineligibility of two years. All employees are required to meet the highest standards of professional conduct.

"While the club does not condone Bracewell's behaviour, we are committed to supporting him through rehabilitation in line with our policies and procedures.

"Essex County Cricket Club will not be sanctioned as part of the decision."

The Cricket Regulator stated that the substance use was not related to sporting performance.

Bracewell was also sanctioned in 2024 after testing positive for cocaine after a domestic Twenty20 match in New Zealand.

The positive test led to him serving a reduced one-month ban after completing a programme on dealing with substance abuse.