Former New Zealand fast bowler Doug Bracewell has been suspended for a month for testing positive for cocaine and its metabolite, benzoylecgonine. The 34-year-old was found to have consumed the banned substance after playing a domestic T20 match in January 2024 when he had performed amazingly well for Central Districts.
Cocaine Use and Doping Offenses on Doug Bracewell
The Sports Integrity Commission confirmed that there were no impacts by way of performance on-field as a result of his cocaine-positive test. Cocaine, however, is a banned substance in sport and, by the WADA guidelines, traces of an athlete who tests positive for it will be suspended.
Doug Bracewell was suspended for one month and had even additional provisions: on April 11, 2024, he was to attend a treatment program designed to treat substance abuse and manage cocaine use.
While the latest controversy has put Bracewell back under the spotlight once again, it’s not the first time the cricketer has been involved in a controversy. Between 2010 and 2017, Bracewell had been involved in several off-field incidents, which raised questions about his discipline and behavior. However, this infraction is the most serious as it results in a proper suspension from cricket.
NZC Response and Bracewell’s Admission of Guilt
New Zealand Cricket Chief Executive Scott Wennink called the incident disappointing but maintained that the organization was still committed to ensuring the sport remains safe and responsibly conducted. “Doug accepts full responsibility for his error of judgment and understands the consequences of his actions,” said Wennink in a statement. ”
As an organization, we will continue to support Doug during this time, and he is fully aware of the expectations moving forward.” Bracewell publicized his mistake, accepting suspension with accompanying treatment. NZC stressed that this was dealt with under an internal procedure with the objective of rehabilitation. However, through this, the governing body did make it known that they take the seriousness of conduct breach seriously, more so regarding the welfare and integrity of players.
Bracewell’s Cricketing Career
For several years, Doug Bracewell has been the key to New Zealand’s bowling attack. He has played domestic and international cricket throughout his career. To date, he has played in 28 test matches and taken 74 wickets while scoring 568 runs. The player has also played for New Zealand in 21 ODIs and 20 T20Is where took 26 and 20 wickets respectively.
The player is known for his pace and swing, which helped New Zealand significantly in its endeavors on the international circuit, especially in the Tests. He has been seen falling victim to disciplinary issues a few times; this latest doping violation aside. Although Bracewell possesses so much talent on the field, this time around, his off-field behavior has brought more criticism than even praising his cricketing attempts.
NZC had stated that it would not leave Bracewell in the lurch during this time and would remain forthcoming with its support as it takes the necessary steps to battle its issues. The board also maintained that the future of the cricketer playing for the organization would depend on his seriousness about upholding the standards of the board itself as well as his acceptance of rehabilitation programs.
Therefore, attention will be paid to Bracewell as he returns to competitive cricket in the following months. The personal challenge of the suspension for him would hence equate to an opportunity for the player to rebuild himself in the show, committing not only to professional duties but also to personal growth.
As New Zealand Cricket and fans will undoubtedly be hoping, he leaves this setback with a much stronger sense of renewal, a renewed focus on his cricket as well as his off-field conduct.
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