Chris Lynn’s cocaine test brings a completed ban into public view
Chris Lynn has already served a month-long suspension following a positive test for a cocaine metabolite after England’s T20 Blast Finals Day. The Cricket Regulator disclosed the case in November. Lynn admitted using cocaine outside competition, completed a treatment programme and received a shorter ban; Northamptonshire faced no sanction over his test.
Sports··Night
A July test brings a completed suspension into view
Northamptonshire player Chris Lynn, a former Australia international, has served a one-month suspension after a positive test for a cocaine metabolite. The Cricket Regulator disclosed the case on 5 November. His sample was collected after T20 Blast Finals Day at Edgbaston on 18 July and sent to a World Anti-Doping Agency-accredited laboratory in France for analysis. The positive finding prompted an investigation by the regulator.[1], [2]
Lynn admitted taking cocaine on the night of 15 July into the early hours of 16 July. He maintained that the use took place outside competition and was unrelated to sporting performance. An expert appointed by the regulator supported that assessment. The regulator accepted the evidence about when the drug had been used and the context of that use.[1], [2]
One charge was withdrawn; treatment shortened the ban
In September the regulator charged Lynn with two anti-doping violations and sought a three-month suspension. It later withdrew the separate charge under Article 2.2 concerning the use of cocaine because the reported level of cocaine in the sample was below the minimum reporting threshold. The case retained the finding concerning the presence of benzoylecgonine in the competition sample.[2]
Lynn accepted the findings and told the regulator he would undertake a substance-abuse treatment programme. Evidence of completion reached the regulator in October, reducing the sanction to one month. Credit for the provisional suspension meant the ban ran from 31 July until the end of 30 August. Northamptonshire received no sanction over the test.[1], [2]
Lynn had returned to Northamptonshire this season
The 36-year-old returned to Northamptonshire this season after earlier spells in 2022 and 2023. He played for Hampshire the preceding season. The county was approached for comment when the case was reported. The Cricket Regulator, established as an independent body in December 2023, oversees compliance with the game’s rules. Its statement said Lynn had accepted the sanction and that it would make no further comment on the matter.[1], [2]
