Kagiso Rabada, who was given a provisional ban for using a prohibited recreational drug, has now been cleared to participate in cricket activities and can be a part of the Gujarat Titans IPL campaign. The South African pacer was cleared to return to cricket by South African Institute for Drug Free Sports (SAIDS), who said that he had completed a one-month ban and had also completed an education and awareness programme to prevent further substance abuse.
“Mr. Rabada tested positive for a Substance of Abuse and was subsequently notified of the allegation of his doping offence on 1 April 2025. A provisional suspension was imposed and Mr. Rabada returned immediately to South Africa from India,” the release stated. “As per the South African Anti-Doping Rules specifically pertaining to Substances of Abuse, the player was offered an opportunity to complete a substance abuse treatment program.
“After Mr. Rabada satisfactorily completed two sessions of his treatment program, his provisional suspension ended. The player has effectively served a one-month period of ineligibility and may now resume participation in sport,” it added.
Once the reports broke of Rabada’s recreational drug use, the 30-year-old put out a statement. “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,” Rabada had said.
But had earlier spoken to SEN Radio and said that while Rabada’s actions were a personal issue, the cover up of the matter was problematic.
“That is not a personal issue, that is something that is happening in your personal life. Taking drugs – recreational or performance enhancing – is not a personal issue that can just be hidden for a month. A guy can be taken out of the , moved back to South Africa, and we just let it slide under the rug. Then we will bring him back once he’s already served his ban,” said Paine.
next play the in their IPL campaign with a playoffs spot in contention.
