Former New Zealand all-rounder Doug Bracewell has been slapped with a two-year suspension after he failed a routine drug test in September 2025. Bracewell admitted to using campaign during Essex's County Championship 2025 match against Somerset at Chelmsford.
Bracewell used the banned substance after Day 1 of the game and hours before Day 2's play. He claimed two wickets in the first innings, bagged an 18-ball duck, and then claimed a wicket in second innings. Essex won the game by seven wickets.
ALSO READ: Delhi Capitals announce Mitchell Starc's arrival hours ahead of Punjab Kings clash
The 35-year-old was notified of the positive test. He had signed up for Essex to play three County games. Months after, Bracewell announced his retirement from all forms of cricket.
The Cricket Regulator banned the BlackCaps pace bowler for two years. His suspension is backdated to November 24, 2025. The ban will last on November 23, 2027.
Essex’s official statement on Bracewell ban
"Essex can confirm that Doug Bracewell failed a routine drugs test in September 2025," the club said in a statement on December 24.
"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."
Bracewell’s violations and bans faced during career
This wasn't Bracewell's first encounter with cocaine. In 2004, he faced a one-month ban after testing positive during New Zealand's premier T20 domestic competition 'Super Smash'.
In 2017, Bracewell had been sentenced to 100 hours of community services for drink-driving offence. The 26-year-old was driving with alcohol three times the legal limit. The reason cited for getting drunk was his cockatoo which was killed by dogs. No additional penalty was enforced by New Zealand Cricket (NZC).
Earlier, in 2012, he faced a one-match ban for getting into an altercation with a person at a Napier bar. He was accompanied by former New Zealand all-rounder Jesse Ryder.