New Delhi: South Africa pacer Kagiso Rabada has been cleared to play again after serving a one-month suspension following his positive drug test during the SA20 2025 earlier this year. Rabada tested positive for a recreational drug during the tournament and was suspended from all formats of the game for a month. The fast bowler failed a dope test in January this year.
As per a report in ESPNCricinfo, the South African Institute for Drug Free Sports (SAIDS) in a statement confirmed that Rabada tested positive for a recreational drug in a dope test conducted on January 21 after the match between MI Cape Town and the Durban Super Giants in the SAT20. However, he was notified about his failed dope test on April 01.
Rabada, who was with the Gujarat Titans (GT) squad at the time, left the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 midway to return to South Africa, citing personal reasons. Rabada left the tournament after featuring in only two matches for GT. While the exact reason for his departure was not known at the time, the news of Rabada’s failed dope test surfaced last week.
Rabada’s 1-month ban was commuted from three months. The SAIDS also confirmed in its statement that the player participated in an education and awareness programme against drug abuse. The South African pacer is now eligible to return to action, having already served his suspension. However, it remains to be seen when he will return to India to rejoin the GT squad.
Earlier, Rabada released a statement through the South African Cricketers’ Association to apologise for his actions and reaffirmed that he has never taken playing cricket for granted. Cricket South Africa (CSA) labelled the entire episode ‘regrettable’, but has decided not to take any further action against the 29-year-old.
The one-month suspension handed to Rabada is in line with the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) guidelines regarding punishment over the use of recreational drugs such as cocaine, cannabis, methamphetamine or diamorphine.
“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,” Rabada said in a statement last week.
Kagiso Rabada eligible to return for GT in IPL 2025
Rabada is eligible to make his return for the Gujarat Titans in the ongoing IPL 2025. He can make his comeback in GT’s next game against the Mumbai Indians on Tuesday, May 06. Rabada picked up two wickets for the Gujarat Titans in the two matches he played for the franchise before returning home in the ongoing IPL 2025.
Rabada, who is regarded as one of the best pacers in the world, was roped in by GT for Rs 10.75 crore in the IPL 2025 mega auction last year. Gujarat Titans are currently in the 4th spot on the IPL 2025 points table with 14 points after 10 matches and are close to securing their spot in the playoffs.
South Africa pacer Kagiso Rabada failed his dope test during the SA20 earlier this year. He tested positive for a recreational drug and was handed a 1-month suspension. He has been cleared to play now. IPL Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
