Former Australian T20 batsman Chris Lynn served a one-month ban this year after testing positive to cocaine while playing in England, England's Cricket Regulator has reported, though the charge was later withdrawn.
Lynn, 36, was tested on July 18 during Vitality Blast Finals Day matches in Birmingham, the regulator said. A urine sample was sent to a World Anti-Doping Authority laboratory in France, and Lynn confirmed on August 20 that he had taken the drug on the evening of July 15 and in the early hours of July 16. Cocaine is listed as a WADA prohibited stimulant.
The regulator said the consumption took place out of competition and was unrelated to cricketing performance. Lynn served his suspension from July 31 to August 30, making him eligible for this summer's Big Bash League, in which he is expected to play for the Melbourne Renegades. His team, Northampton, was not sanctioned for the positive test.
The regulator initially sought a three-month suspension, but Lynn confirmed his intention to complete a substance of abuse treatment program, which reduced the sentence. On October 21, the regulator informed Lynn that the charge relating to the presence of cocaine had been withdrawn, because the level in his system was below what would have been needed to charge him under WADA regulations.
Lynn, the BBL's all-time leading run-scorer with 4,133 runs at an average of 35.32, has not played since a single appearance for Galle Gallants in the Sri Lankan Premier League, in which he scored 46 in his side's 60-run win over Jaffna Kings.
Analysis
Why This Matters
- Lynn is expected to line up for the Melbourne Renegades in this summer's Big Bash League, and his suspension has already been served.
- The case shows how WADA's out-of-competition rules apply, including a reduced sentence for completing a substance of abuse treatment program.
- The withdrawal of the charge means Lynn faces no further sanction over the positive test.
Background
Chris Lynn is a former Australian international white-ball batsman who played 18 T20 matches for his country and is the Big Bash League's all-time leading run-scorer. He has previously played for the Adelaide Strikers and Brisbane Heat before his expected move to the Melbourne Renegades this season. Cocaine is prohibited under WADA rules as a stimulant.
Key Perspectives
- England's Cricket Regulator: reported the positive test, initially sought a three-month suspension, and later withdrew the charge after the cocaine level fell below the threshold needed to charge under WADA regulations.
- Chris Lynn: confirmed he took the drug on the evening of July 15 and early hours of July 16, and agreed to complete a substance of abuse treatment program, which reduced his suspension.
What to Watch
- Whether Lynn returns for the Melbourne Renegades in this summer's Big Bash League.
- How Lynn performs on his return to competitive cricket after his appearance for Galle Gallants in the Sri Lankan Premier League.
Checked
12 claims in this story checked against 1 source: 12 supported.
Show each claim
- SupportedChris Lynn served a one-month ban earlier this year after testing positive to cocaine while playing in England.Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News: “Former Australian T20 star Chris Lynn served a one-month ban earlier this year after testing positive to cocaine use while playing in England, according to a sport regulator.”
- SupportedThe charge relating to cocaine was later withdrawn.Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News: “On October 21, the regulator informed Lynn the charge relating to the presence of cocaine had been withdrawn”
- SupportedThe regulator withdrew the charge because the cocaine level in Lynn’s system was below what was needed to charge him under WADA regulations.Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News: “due to the level in his system being below what would have been needed to charge him under WADA regulations.”
- SupportedLynn was 36.Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News: “The 36-year-old, who played 18 international T20 matches”
- SupportedLynn was tested on July 18 during Vitality Blast Finals Day matches in Birmingham.Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News: “underwent an In Competition Doping Control test on July 18 while playing in Vitality Blast Finals Day matches between Northampton Steelbacks, Somerset and Hampshire Hawks in Birmingham”
- SupportedLynn’s urine sample was sent to a laboratory in France, and he confirmed on August 20 that he had taken cocaine on the evening of July 15 and early hours of July 16.Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News: “A urine sample was sent to a World Anti-Doping Authority laboratory in France, with Lynn confirming on August 20 he had taken the drug on the evening of July 15 and early hours of July 16.”
- SupportedCocaine is listed as a WADA-prohibited stimulant.Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News: “Cocaine is listed as a WADA prohibited stimulant.”
- SupportedThe regulator said the cocaine consumption took place out of competition and was unrelated to cricketing performance.Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News: “The Cricket Regulator’s report also stated the cocaine consumption took place out of competition and was unrelated to cricketing performance.”
- SupportedLynn’s suspension ran from July 31 to August 30, making him eligible for this summer’s Big Bash League, where he is expected to play for the Melbourne Renegades.Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News: “Lynn was served a suspension from July 31 to August 30, making him eligible to line up in this summer’s Big Bash League, in which he is expected to play for the Melbourne Renegades”
- SupportedLynn’s team, Northampton, was not sanctioned for the positive test.Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News: “His team, Northampton, was not sanctioned for the positive test.”
- SupportedThe regulator initially sought a three-month suspension, but Lynn’s intention to complete a substance-of-abuse treatment program reduced the sentence.Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News: “While the regulator initially sought a three-month suspension, Lynn confirmed his intention to complete a substance of abuse treatment program, which reduced the sentence.”
- SupportedLynn is the BBL’s all-time leading run-scorer, with 4,133 runs at an average of 35.32.Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News: “Lynn is the BBL’s all-time leading run-scorer, scoring 4133 runs at an average of 35.32”