Last Updated on 2 weeks by Charbel Coorey
The reason for Kagiso Rabada’s absence from the Indian Premier League (IPL) is now clear. The fast bowler tested positive for a banned substance and was serving a provisional suspension. According to a report from ESPNcricinfo, Rabada took the substance during the SA20. It has been confirmed that it was a recreational drug, not performance-enhancing.
In a statement issued through the South African Cricketers’ Association (SACA), Rabada was apologetic for his actions. The fast bowler had returned home from the IPL for “personal reasons” back at the start of April.
“As has been reported, I recently returned to South Africa from participating in the IPL for personal reasons,” Rabada said. “This was due to my returning an adverse analytical finding for the use of a recreational drug.
“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 am serving a provisional suspension and I am looking forward to returning to the game I love playing,” Rabada continued.
“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.”
Could Kagiso Rabada miss the WTC 2025 Final due to his suspension?
A report from Fox Sports Australia suggests Rabada is at risk of missing next month’s World Test Championship (WTC) Final at Lord’s. However, Rabada will be available for the WTC Final after serving a one-month ban, according to ESPNcricinfo.
South African Agency for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS) said Rabada took part in an education and awareness program regarding drug use and abuse. He could return for GT in their blockbuster showdown against MI on Tuesday May 6.
Rabada’s availability and output is crucial to South Africa’s hopes of lifting the coveted WTC mace. Earlier this year, the fast bowler was bullish about his team’s chances of beating Australia.
“It’s actually quite some distance away, but a big occasion like the World Test Championship final gets you up for it,” Rabada said in January.
“South Africa versus Australia has always been an intense rivalry, because we play cricket quite similar. We play hard – and they’re going to come hard at us, and we know that,” he said.
“But we also know how to beat them.”
