Chris Lynn Serves Ban After Cocaine Test Positive
Australian batter Chris Lynn served a one-month ban after testing positive for cocaine. Read about his rehab and future in the BBL.
Australian T20 powerhouse Chris Lynn has served a one-month suspension after testing positive for cocaine. The 36-year-old batter’s ordeal began following the T20 Blast Finals Day in England this past July, as confirmed by England's Cricket Regulator. The regulator has now verified that Lynn has successfully completed a required rehabilitation programme.
The Positive Test and the Timeline
The incident unfolded on July 18, a day of triumph for Lynn's team, Northamptonshire, as they secured the T20 Blast trophy for the third time. Lynn contributed scores of 39 and four in the two matches played on Finals Day. However, a routine anti-doping test conducted that day led to complications.
His urine sample was sent to a laboratory in France, where analysis revealed the presence of benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine. At the time, Lynn had already transitioned to Sri Lanka to compete in the Lanka Premier League (LPL) with the Galle Gallants. After appearing in just one match, he was ruled out of the LPL on July 29, citing an unspecified leg injury.
Admission and the Investigation
Two days after his LPL exit, the Cricket Regulator notified Lynn of the adverse findings in his sample, resulting in a provisional suspension. Three weeks later, the Australian batter admitted to the use of cocaine. He clarified that the usage occurred outside of any sporting competition and had no bearing on his professional cricketing performance.
Lynn specified that the substance was used over several hours between the evening of July 15 and the early hours of July 16. Interestingly, on the evening of July 15, Lynn had been forced to retire hurt during Northamptonshire's quarter-final win over Gloucestershire after a low full-toss from Duan Jansen struck his foot.
The Ruling and Rehabilitation
The Cricket Regulator initially brought two charges against Lynn under the England and Wales Cricket Board's (ECB) anti-doping regulations. However, one charge was eventually dropped because the concentration of cocaine in his system was below the minimum threshold required by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) for that specific charge.
While the regulator initially weighed a three-month suspension, the penalty was reduced to one month. This leniency was granted after Lynn confirmed his completion of a substance abuse treatment programme, which was finalized on August 30.
What's Next for Chris Lynn?
Since serving his ban, the veteran batter has not appeared in any professional cricket matches. While there has been no official confirmation regarding his contract for the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL) season, reports from Australian media suggest that he has reached an agreement to join the Melbourne Renegades.