Former Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) mainstay Chris Lynn has received a one-month suspension after testing positive for cocaine during the T20 Blast. The 36-year-old Australian batter was playing for Northamptonshire when he underwent a routine anti-doping test on Finals Day, July 18, following the county’s third title victory. Laboratory analysis in France detected benzoylecgonine, a primary metabolite of cocaine, in Lynn’s urine sample, triggering an immediate investigation by England’s Cricket Regulator.
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Lynn’s suspension was reduced from the standard three-month term to one month after he admitted to using the substance outside of competition and successfully completed a substance abuse treatment program. The regulator confirmed that his proactive cooperation and commitment to rehabilitation were key factors in the leniency. This incident marks a significant setback for the veteran all-rounder, who had been performing well in the domestic circuit, scoring 39 runs and taking four wickets across the two Finals Day matches.
The positive test had immediate repercussions on Lynn’s international schedule, forcing him to withdraw from the Lanka Premier League (LPL) with the Galle Gallants. Initially cited as a leg injury on July 29, his early exit from the tournament was later linked to the doping violation, with formal notification received on July 31. As Lynn serves his ban, cricket fans and analysts will closely watch his return to form, particularly given his high-profile history with KKR and his status as a seasoned T20 specialist.
Source: Yahoo Sports
