ECB takes action against Chris Lynn after Australian star admits Cocaine use during T20 Blast
Former Australia batsman Chris Lynn has found himself in a big trouble after testing positive to cocaine in an anti-doping test conducted by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).
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Former Australia batsman Chris Lynn has found himself in a big trouble after testing positive to cocaine in an anti-doping test conducted by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). Chris Lynn has been suspended for one month by the ECB’s Cricket Regulator after cocaine was found in his urine sample on T20 Blast finals day, July 18, 2026.
The 36-year-old smasher, who was representing Northamptonshire in the T20 Blast, accepted the punishment after admitting that he had used cocaine before the competition.
Chris Lynn tests positive for Cocaine, ECB reveals details of Australian batter's drug test
Chris Lynn was suspended for one month by the England and Wales Cricket Board's (ECB) Cricket Regulator after the Australian batter admitted that he had used cocaine before T20 Blast finals day.
However, the ECB's Cricket Regulator accepted that the incident happened outside the competition and was not connected to his performance. His suspension has now been treated as completed.
The Cricket Regulator's report states, "The cricketer's urine sample was sent to the WADA-accredited laboratory in the Laboratoire Anti-Dopage, France, for analysis, and adverse analytical findings (AAF) for cocaine’s metabolite benzoylecgonine were returned.
"Cocaine is listed under section S.6A of the 2026 WADA Prohibited List as a stimulant. It is a non-specific substance that is prohibited in competition only. Cocaine is also specifically identified as a substance of abuse in the 2026 WADA Prohibited List.”
Chris Lynn admits Cocaine use before T20 Blast Finals Day
Lynn was informed about the positive test result on July 31 and was placed under a provisional suspension. On August 20, he responded to the charge and admitted that he had used cocaine on July 15 and 16.
He also explained that the drug use had taken place outside competition and had nothing to do with improving his performance on the cricket field. He provided evidence to support his explanation.
Chris Lynn escapes three-month ban after completing rehabilitation programme
The ECB's Cricket Regulator officially charged Lynn on September 23 and accepted his explanation that the cocaine use had happened outside competition. He was initially charged under two different articles of the ECB's anti-doping rules.
However, one charge was later dropped because the amount of cocaine found in his urine was below the minimum level required for action under WADA rules.
The Cricket Regulator initially considered a three-month suspension for Lynn. However, the punishment was reduced to just one month after he provided confirmation that he had successfully completed a treatment program for substance abuse.
Lynn set for BBL return with Melbourne Renegades
Interestingly, Lynn's one-month suspension was counted from the day his provisional suspension began. As a result, the punishment was officially considered completed on August 30. This means the former Australian batter has already served the suspension imposed by the ECB's Cricket Regulator.
Lynn is now free to play professional cricket. His suspension also coincided with a leg injury during his short Lanka Premier League stint. It is being said that the 36-year-old batter has agreed to join Melbourne Renegades for the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL) season.
