By Salma El-Sakka
Northamptonshire Steelbacks batter Chris Lynn has served a one-month suspension after testing positive for cocaine following the club's victory in the T20 Vitality Blast Final on July 18. The Cricket Regulator confirmed an Adverse Analytical Finding for the cocaine metabolite benzoylecgonine from a sample collected on Finals Day.
Investigation and Findings
An investigation determined that Lynn used the drug on the night of July 15 into the early hours of July 16, outside of competition. Although cocaine is banned "In Competition," the regulator accepted that the use was unrelated to sporting performance and constituted an out-of-competition anti-doping rule violation.
Sanction Reduced After Treatment
The regulator initially charged Lynn with two violations in September and sought a three-month suspension. One charge was withdrawn because the cocaine level in the sample fell below the minimum reporting threshold. Lynn acknowledged the findings and completed a substance abuse treatment program in October, leading to a reduction of the ban to one month. The suspension was served from his provisional suspension on July 31 until 11:59 pm on August 30, 2026.
The Cricket Regulator stated that no sanction would be imposed on Northamptonshire Steelbacks. Lynn has accepted the sanction and no further comment will be made on the matter.
