Cricket

Doug Bracewell, the seasoned New Zealand seamer, has faced a one-month suspension from the country's Sports Tribunal for violating anti-doping regulations. The suspension stems from the detection of cocaine and its metabolite in his system during an in-competition test conducted on January 13, 2023.Initially, Bracewell maintained that his cocaine use occurred out-of-competition, unrelated to his sporting performance. However, the Sport Integrity Commission contested this claim, arguing that the substance must have been consumed during the competition.Following the submission of expert evidence from both parties, the Commission reconsidered its position and accepted Bracewell's account. As a result, a three-month ineligibility period was agreed upon, which was subsequently reduced to one month due to Bracewell's successful completion of a Substance of Abuse treatment program.The tribunal imposed the one-month ineligibility period, effective from April 11, 2023, the date of Bracewell's provisional suspension. The 34-year-old has represented New Zealand in 28 Tests, 21 ODIs, and 20 T20Is since his international debut in 2011.Bracewell, a long-time Central Districts player, recently opted out of his contract with the club to pursue a freelance career. He is expected to participate in the Abu Dhabi T20 league as part of the New York Strikers and the SA20 as a member of the Joburg Super Kings.

Chris Wright, the experienced Leicestershire seamer, has been suspended for nine months after testing positive for a trace amount of Ostarine, a banned substance. The 38-year-old admitted to the adverse result in October 2023, which stemmed from a contaminated food supplement.Despite signing a new contract with Leicestershire last year, Wright has not played for the club this season due to his suspension. The Cricket Regulator and the National Anti-Doping Agency accepted that Wright did not intentionally ingest the substance, which is not performance-enhancing.Wright's suspension has been backdated, making him eligible to play from July 19. He expressed shock and disappointment upon learning of the positive test, emphasizing that he had disclosed the use of the supplement on his doping control form.With the help of scientific experts, Wright identified the supplement as the source of the contamination. He criticized the supplement manufacturer for failing to explain how Ostarine entered the product.The Professional Cricketers' Association (PCA) has expressed concern over the lack of thresholds for banned substances in cases where there is no intent or scientific evidence of intentional ingestion. The PCA is lobbying the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) to review its stance on trace amounts of substances ingested via contamination.Ian Thomas, PCA managing director of member services, highlighted the dangers of supplement usage and the stress Wright and his family have endured during the suspension. He emphasized the need for a review of WADA's rules to protect innocent athletes from lengthy bans due to contamination.Wright expressed gratitude for the support he received from the PCA, Leicestershire CCC, and his family. He is eager to return to training and resume his playing career.