Former New Zealand Test cricketer Doug Bracewell — who abruptly retired in December last year — has been banned for two years after he was caught with cocaine in his system.
The situation has only now come to light, with the Cricket Regulator issuing a statement overnight, revealing that Bracewell failed an in-competition drugs test in September, 2025.
At the time, Bracewell was representing Essex in a County Championship match against against Somerset.
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“Bracewell and his former County are aware and the player has accepted the sanction. No further comment will be made on this matter,” the Cricket Regulator said.
In the final report, it was revealed that in December Bracewell confirmed to the Cricket Regulator (a body within the ECB) that he had used cocaine “during a period of several hours” at the time of the match.
Bracewell was tested on September 25 (the second day of the match) and he admitted to using cocaine on September 24 and into the early hours of September 25.
The Bracewells are cricket royalty in New Zealand.
The disgraced allrounder’s uncle is John Bracewell, who played 41 Tests for New Zealand in the 1980s and was the second Kiwi in history to make 1000 runs and take 100 wickets in Test cricket.
His father, Brendon Bracewell also represented New Zealand in Test cricket, while his other uncle Douglas Bracewell was also a first-class cricketer.
Doug’s cousin Michael Bracewell made his Test debut for New Zealand in 2022 and is still a member of the team.
The Bracewell name is also well-known in Australia outside of sporting circles, with Melanie Bracewell (another cousin of Doug) a popular comedian who hosts the TV show The Cheap Seats.
It is not the first time Doug Bracewell has had an issue with the drug.
In 2024 he copped a one-month ban for cocaine use.
After this latest indiscretion, Essex said they would support Bracewell through his rehabilatation.
“Essex can confirm that Doug Bracewell failed a routine drugs test in September 2025,” the club said via a 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.”
