LONDON: Former New Zealand and Essex all-rounder Doug Bracewell has been given a two-year suspension after testing positive for cocaine during an English County Championship match last year.

Bracewell’s positive test came on Sept 25, 2025 while he was playing for Essex against Somerset at Chelmsford.

The 35-year-old admitted using cocaine after the first day of the fixture and in the early hours of the morning prior to the second day’s play.

After being notified of the positive test, Bracewell retired from cricket on Dec 28.

Despite his retirement, Brace­well, who had signed for Essex for the final three Championship matches of last season, was still issued with the two-year ban by the Cricket Regulator.

He previously served a one-month ban in 2024 after testing positive for cocaine during New Zealand’s ‘Super Smash’ Twenty20 event.

The two-year suspension is backdated to Nov 24, 2025, the date of his provisional ban, and will run until November 23, 2027.

Bracewell, who played in 69 matches for New Zealand across all formats, has accepted the ban and Essex will not face punishment.

“Essex can confirm that Doug Bracewell failed a routine drugs test in September 2025,” the club said in a statement on Friday.

“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.”

Published in Dawn, April 25th, 2026