Picture Credit: BCCI/IPL
South Africa cricketer and star pacer, Kagiso Rabada has been handed a provisional suspension after the Protean pacer tested positive for the usage of a recreational drug. The confirmation came on Saturday, May 3 after the pacer was forced to return back home, leaving his IPL team, Gujarat Titans (GT) mid-way through the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025.
However, the pacer had cited personal reasons for his sudden departure, ESPNcricinfo has now learned that Rabada’s transgression took place during the SA20 where he was tested of using a recreational banned substance while plying his trade for the MI Cape Town.
Rabada to serve provisional suspension for recrational drug use
However, the Protean speedster has returned to India to join his IPL franchise Gujarat Titans, he will continue to serve the provisional suspension, as confirmed by the South African Cricketers’ Association. “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,” Rabada revealed.
“I am deeply sorry to all that I have let down. I will never take the privilege of playing cricket for granted. It goes beyond my personal aspirations," the South African pacer said in a statement. “I am serving a provisional suspension, and I am looking forward to returning to the game I love playing,” he further added.
The 28-year-old further extended his support, hoping to come back strongly. “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 thank SACA and my legal team for their guidance and counsel. Most importantly,y I’d like to thank my friends and family for their understanding and love", he concluded.
