Chris Lynn's one-month ban over cocaine case ends, clearing his return to the BBL

The one-month suspension imposed on Australia's hard-hitting batter Chris Lynn in a cocaine case has now been completed. England's cricket regulator confirmed this on Friday. This clears the way for Lynn to play in the Big Bash League (BBL).

Lynn is counted among the highest run-scorers in BBL history. The case dates to July 18 this year, the last day of the T20 Blast tournament in England, when Lynn underwent a routine dope test. He was then playing for Northamptonshire Steelbacks. His sample tested positive.

In a statement issued at the time, the cricket regulator had said a one-month suspension had been imposed on Chris Lynn, a former Northamptonshire Steelbacks cricketer. That suspension has now run its course.

A small quantity of benzoylecgonine, a substance produced by the metabolism of cocaine, was found in the 36-year-old's sample. Lynn accepted the charge. The inquiry found that the incident took place outside the tournament period and had nothing to do with his performance on the field. For this reason, he was given a ban of only one month instead of the three months provided under the rules.

Meanwhile, Lynn has also completed the rehabilitation programme required to recover from substance dependence. The right-handed batter has played 18 T20 internationals and four ODIs for Australia. He is regarded as one of the most successful batters in the BBL.

The new BBL season begins next month, and Lynn is ready to join the Melbourne Renegades. The completion of the suspension has opened the way for his return.