Chris Lynn Served One-Month Ban for Cocaine Positive

Chris Lynn Served Secret One-Month Cocaine Ban Ahead of BBL Season

Frankie Cordoba

Big Bash League record run-scorer Chris Lynn served a backdated one-month ban after testing positive for cocaine in July. Lynn proved the use was out of competition and unrelated to sporting performance, meaning the 36-year-old is fully eligible to compete ahead of a reported move to the Melbourne Renegades.

Key Takeaways

›Chris Lynn served a backdated one-month suspension from 31 July to 30 August for a cocaine positive.
›The test occurred on the day of England's T20 Blast finals in July following Northamptonshire's title win.
›Lynn successfully established the drug use was out of competition and not performance-enhancing.
›The 36-year-old has completed the ban and remains eligible to sign with the Melbourne Renegades.

Big Bash League stalwart Chris Lynn served a confidential one-month suspension following a positive test for cocaine earlier this year, it has emerged.

The 36-year-old power hitter, who stands as the all-time leading run-scorer and six-hitter in BBL history, tested positive on the day of the T20 Blast finals in England in July, having helped Northamptonshire secure the title.

The Positive Test and Out-of-Competition Ruling

Laboratory testing detected an adverse analytical finding for the cocaine metabolite benzoylecgonine. Lynn subsequently admitted to consuming the recreational drug days prior to the fixture.

Anti-doping findings noted that Lynn did not hold a therapeutic use exemption for the substance. However, the Australian batter successfully established that the drug use occurred out of competition and was entirely unrelated to enhancing sports performance.

As a result, Lynn received a reduced one-month ban, backdated to span from 31 July through to 30 August, which he has already completed.

Availability for the Melbourne Renegades and BBL Campaign

Following the English season, Lynn was scheduled to feature in a tournament in Sri Lanka, but made only a single appearance before being ruled out with an unspecified leg injury on 29 July.

The revelation of the sanction surfaces just as Lynn is expected to sign with the Melbourne Renegades ahead of the upcoming BBL season. Having previously represented the Brisbane Heat and Adelaide Strikers, Lynn is not currently bound by a central Cricket Australia contract.

Because the suspension has already expired, Lynn remains clear to participate in the domestic tournament. Any additional disciplinary action or team sanctions will rest entirely at the discretion of his Big Bash club.

FAQ

When did Chris Lynn serve his suspension?

Lynn served a backdated one-month suspension between 31 July and 30 August.

Why was Chris Lynn's ban limited to one month?

Lynn successfully argued that his recreational cocaine use occurred out of competition and was unrelated to enhancing his athletic performance.

Is Chris Lynn allowed to play in the upcoming BBL season?

Yes. Because the one-month ban has already concluded and Lynn is not on a Cricket Australia central contract, he is eligible to play, with any further sanctions left to his club's discretion.