Shocking! New Zealand star cricketer banned for cocaine use

NEW DELHI: Former New Zealand and Essex all-rounder Doug Bracewell has been handed a two-year suspension after testing positive for cocaine during an English County Championship match last year.Bracewell’s positive test came on September 25, 2025, while he was playing for Essex County Cricket Club against Somerset County Cricket Club at Chelmsford. After being notified of the positive result, Bracewell retired from cricket on December 28.The 35-year-old admitted to using cocaine after the first day of the fixture and again in the early hours before the start of play on the second day.Despite his retirement, Bracewell - who had signed for Essex for the final three Championship matches of the season - was still handed a two-year ban by the Cricket Regulator.He had previously served a one-month suspension in 2024 after testing positive for cocaine during New Zealand’s ‘Super Smash’ T20 competition.The latest suspension has been backdated to November 24, 2025 - the date of his provisional ban - and will remain in effect until November 23, 2027.Bracewell, who represented New Zealand in 69 matches across formats, has accepted the sanction, while Essex will not face any 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.”