The former KKR star has completed a month-long ban after testing positive for cocaine

Former Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) batsman Chris Lynn has completed a month-long suspension after testing positive for a cocaine metabolite during England’s domestic T20 Blast earlier this year. The Australian pleaded guilty to using the recreational drug in July, with cricket authorities accepting the substance was banned from competition and had no link to sporting performance.

Lynn, 36, was representing Northamptonshire when he tested positive for doping on July 18 following his team’s victorious campaign on T20 Blast Finals Day. He was temporarily suspended on 31 July and subsequently admitted to using cocaine between 15 and 16 July.

England’s cricket regulator initially pursued two anti-doping charges against the Australian. However, one of the charges was dropped after the concentration of a cocaine metabolite found in his sample was found to be below the threshold prescribed by World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) regulations.

The regulator initially sought a three-month suspension for Lynn. However, the sentence was reduced to one month after he agreed to participate in a substance abuse treatment program, which he completed on August 30.

The former Australian international has not played professional cricket since the start of his suspension. His immediate future in the game also remains uncertain, with Lynn yet to sign a contract with a Big Bash League (BBL) franchise for the upcoming season.

Chris Lynn’s IPL connection

Lynn remains a household name among Indian cricket fans, especially for his performances in the Indian Premier League. He made a name for himself with KKR where his aggressive batting at the top of the order made him a key figure in the franchise’s campaign.

One of his most memorable IPL performances came in 2017 when he smashed an unbeaten 93 off just 41 deliveries against Gujarat Lions to share a 184 opening partnership with Gautam Gambhir. Lynn later represented Mumbai Indians in the IPL but struggled to secure a regular place in the playing XI.

At international level, Lynn has represented Australia in four One Day Internationals and 18 T20 Internationals. However, it was in franchise cricket that he built a reputation as an explosive T20 batter, appearing in leagues around the world.

With the new BBL season looming, Lynn’s lack of a franchise contract raises questions about his future progression. Despite ending his suspension, the 36-year-old is yet to find a professional cricket commitment for the upcoming season.

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