Mumbai: In a sensational development, South African speedster Kagiso Rabada , one of the world’s premier fast bowlers, has revealed that he is currently serving a provisional suspension for using a banned recreational drug.
Rabada had abruptly exited the IPL on April 3 after featuring in just two matches for the Gujarat Titans , during which he picked up two wickets. At the time, the franchise had cited “personal reasons” for his departure.
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Since then, GT have not named a replacement, despite Rabada missing over a month of the tournament. The Gujarat Titans, BCCI, and the ICC have not issued official comments.
Interestingly, just a couple of weeks ago, GT captain Shubman Gill had said the franchise was expecting Rabada to return in “10-12 days” to rejoin the squad. The banned substance was reportedly taken during the SA20 League , where Rabada represented MI Cape Town. Crucially, the 29-year-old has not been charged with using a performance-enhancing drug but rather a recreational substance.
It’s unclear whether Rabada will feature again for GT this season. “Rabada arrived in India yesterday. GT are ascertaining the situation. The franchise will seek clarity from Cricket South Africa on Rabada’s case. Only then can it be decided if he will take part in the rest of the IPL,” a source tracking developments told TOI.
The Ahmedabad-based side, currently preparing for their next match against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium on May 6, hasn’t struggled in Rabada’s absence, winning seven of their 10 games.
GT had bought Rabada for ₹10.75 cr in the Nov 2024 auction.
The incident bears similarities to the Doug Bracewell case from Nov 2023, when the New Zealand pacer received a one-month effective ban for cocaine use, a reduced sanction from an initial three-month term. Rabada’s case is expected to follow a similar path, which could allow him to participate in the World Test Championship final between South Africa and Australia at Lord’s in June.
In a statement released via the South African Cricketers’ Association (SACA), Rabada issued a heartfelt apology:
“As has been reported, I recently returned to South Africa from participating in the IPL for personal reasons. This was due to my returning an adverse analytical finding for the use of a recreational drug. I am serving a provisional suspension and I am looking forward to returning to the game I love playing.”
The statement did not specify which substance triggered the positive test, nor whether the test occurred in-competition (IC) or out-of-competition (OOC).
Rabada also extended a public apology to his fans and stakeholders:
“I am deeply sorry to all those that I have let down. I will never take the privilege of playing cricket for granted. This privilege is much larger than me. It goes beyond my personal aspirations.
I couldn’t have gone through this alone. I’d like to thank my agent, CSA, and Gujarat Titans for their support. I’d also like to thank SACA and my legal team for their guidance and counsel. Most importantly, I’d like to thank my friends and family for their understanding and love. Moving forward, this moment will not define me. I will keep doing what I have always done—continuously working hard and playing with passion and devotion to my craft.”
Incident regrettable: CSA
Following Rabada’s revelation, Cricket South Africa (CSA) issued a statement saying they could “confirm that Proteas right arm fast bowler Kagiso Rabada has returned an adverse analytical finding for the use of a prohibited substance”.
The statement added: “The incident is regrettable, however, Rabada has reassured CSA and his fans of his commitment to upholding professional standards and has restated his passion to the sport of cricket and the country he represents with purpose.
CSA is fully committed to drug-free sport and reminds cricket players, both professional and amateur, of the importance of adhering to all regulations. We are steadfast in our support to all players in this regard.”
Rabada had abruptly exited the IPL on April 3 after featuring in just two matches for the Gujarat Titans , during which he picked up two wickets. At the time, the franchise had cited “personal reasons” for his departure.
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel.
Since then, GT have not named a replacement, despite Rabada missing over a month of the tournament. The Gujarat Titans, BCCI, and the ICC have not issued official comments.
Interestingly, just a couple of weeks ago, GT captain Shubman Gill had said the franchise was expecting Rabada to return in “10-12 days” to rejoin the squad. The banned substance was reportedly taken during the SA20 League , where Rabada represented MI Cape Town. Crucially, the 29-year-old has not been charged with using a performance-enhancing drug but rather a recreational substance.
It’s unclear whether Rabada will feature again for GT this season. “Rabada arrived in India yesterday. GT are ascertaining the situation. The franchise will seek clarity from Cricket South Africa on Rabada’s case. Only then can it be decided if he will take part in the rest of the IPL,” a source tracking developments told TOI.
The Ahmedabad-based side, currently preparing for their next match against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium on May 6, hasn’t struggled in Rabada’s absence, winning seven of their 10 games.
GT had bought Rabada for ₹10.75 cr in the Nov 2024 auction.
The incident bears similarities to the Doug Bracewell case from Nov 2023, when the New Zealand pacer received a one-month effective ban for cocaine use, a reduced sanction from an initial three-month term. Rabada’s case is expected to follow a similar path, which could allow him to participate in the World Test Championship final between South Africa and Australia at Lord’s in June.
In a statement released via the South African Cricketers’ Association (SACA), Rabada issued a heartfelt apology:
“As has been reported, I recently returned to South Africa from participating in the IPL for personal reasons. This was due to my returning an adverse analytical finding for the use of a recreational drug. I am serving a provisional suspension and I am looking forward to returning to the game I love playing.”
The statement did not specify which substance triggered the positive test, nor whether the test occurred in-competition (IC) or out-of-competition (OOC).
Rabada also extended a public apology to his fans and stakeholders:
“I am deeply sorry to all those that I have let down. I will never take the privilege of playing cricket for granted. This privilege is much larger than me. It goes beyond my personal aspirations.
I couldn’t have gone through this alone. I’d like to thank my agent, CSA, and Gujarat Titans for their support. I’d also like to thank SACA and my legal team for their guidance and counsel. Most importantly, I’d like to thank my friends and family for their understanding and love. Moving forward, this moment will not define me. I will keep doing what I have always done—continuously working hard and playing with passion and devotion to my craft.”
Incident regrettable: CSA
Following Rabada’s revelation, Cricket South Africa (CSA) issued a statement saying they could “confirm that Proteas right arm fast bowler Kagiso Rabada has returned an adverse analytical finding for the use of a prohibited substance”.
The statement added: “The incident is regrettable, however, Rabada has reassured CSA and his fans of his commitment to upholding professional standards and has restated his passion to the sport of cricket and the country he represents with purpose.
CSA is fully committed to drug-free sport and reminds cricket players, both professional and amateur, of the importance of adhering to all regulations. We are steadfast in our support to all players in this regard.”
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