By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Proteas fast bowler Kagiso Rabada has admitted to testing positive for recreational drug use and serving a provisional suspension, which led to his departure from IPL 2025 on April 3.
Fullview understands that Rabada’s transgression took place during the SA20 in January-February this year. He represented MI Cape Town in that tournament. While the exact length of his sanction has not been confirmed, he has since traveled back to India and his return to play is imminent.
However, he is due to play in the World Test Championship final at Lord’s, when South Africa will face Australia from 11-15 June.
In statement issued by Rabada through the South African Cricketers’ Association (SACA), Rabada apologised for his actions and recommitted himself to the game.
“I am deeply sorry to all those that I have let down,” said Rabada, who has played 241 times for South Africa across all formats, in a statement released by the South African Cricketers Association.
“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 had been in good form and became just the sixth South African cricketer to take 300 Test wickets in October.
He was the quickest-ever bowler to reach the landmark in terms of deliveries bowled, taking 11,817 balls.
He played in the Titans’ first two IPL matches this season, taking two wickets before flying home.
It is unclear if he will return to the competition with the Titans this season, with four matches of the regular season remaining.
Rabada added: “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.”
South African Agency for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS) is expected to release a statement early next week explaining the situation. SAIDS is a signatory to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), which means that any sanction SAIDS oversees would need to be ratified by WADA.