Netherlands fast bowler Vivian Kingma has been handed a three-month suspension after testing positive for a recreational drug. The 30-year-old admitted to the violation, clarifying that the substance was consumed outside of competition.
A sample collected from Kingma after the Netherlands’ ODI against the United Arab Emirates on May 12 in Utrecht, during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2, tested positive for Benzoylecgonine — a cocaine metabolite classified as a Substance of Abuse under the ICC Anti-Doping Code.
The ban, effective from August 15, may be reduced to one month if Kingma successfully completes an ICC-approved treatment programme. Additionally, all his records from matches played after the UAE ODI have been annulled.
This disqualification covers two ODIs against Nepal and Scotland, in which Kingma had taken a combined total of two wickets for 122 runs. It also includes a T20I against Scotland, where he bowled only three deliveries before being taken off.
Kingma Case Highlights Rising Recreational Drug Violations After Rabada, Bracewell Bans
Vivian Kingma’s situation reflects a growing pattern of recreational drug-related violations in international cricket. South Africa’s Kagiso Rabada and New Zealand’s Doug Bracewell both faced similar suspensions over the past year, with their initial three-month bans reduced to one month after they completed ICC-approved treatment programmes.
Rabada had acknowledged testing positive for recreational drugs and accepted a provisional suspension, which resulted in his early departure from IPL 2025 on April 3. Similarly, Bracewell was provisionally suspended on April 11 after an in-competition test conducted on January 13 during a Super Smash match between Wellington Firebirds and Central Stags in Wellington produced an adverse analytical result.
The ICC maintains a strict stance on recreational drug use while also providing avenues for rehabilitation. Kingma’s case underscores both the rigorous anti-doping protocols in place and the opportunity for players to reduce their suspensions by completing approved treatment programmes.
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