Kagiso Rabada’s recent absence from the IPL 2025 was linked to a positive test for a banned substance, according to ESPNcricinfo. The test took place during the SA20 competition, where Rabada was representing MI Cape Town. Crucially, this involved a recreational drug, not a performance-enhancing one.
At the time, the Gujarat Titans, Rabada’s IPL team, cited a “significant personal matter” requiring his return to South Africa, without detailing when he might return to India. Rabada has since returned to India.
In an official statement via the South African Cricketers’ Association, Rabada acknowledged, “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 expressed remorse, stating, “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 is now under a provisional suspension but is optimistic about his future involvement in cricket. He said, “I am looking forward to returning to the game I love playing. 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.”
Rabada concluded with determination, “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.”
Further updates on this story are forthcoming.
